Rory Stewart has described his family’s reaction to a viral moment during his appearance on BBC Newsnight. He spun in his chair and stared at fellow panellist Ailbhe Rea, prompting widespread attention online, although presenter Matt Chorley suggested Stewart was simply listening intently.

Stewart said his family advised him to disable social media on his phone after the incident. The exchange took place on 18 September, with Chorley later saying that behaviour appearing normal in person can look unusual on screen.