The broadcaster Muriel Gray has thanked a British Airways pilot after her husband’s plane was involved in an emergency landing when part of the landing gear failed.

TV producer Hamish Barbour was among the passengers on the Chicago bound plane when it turned round due to 'technical difficulties' and had to land on three wheels at Heathrow Airport.

The plane was met on Saturday by fire engines and the experience described as "quite scary" by one passenger.

One passenger said the captain explained to passengers the plane landed on three sets of wheels instead of five.

Despite his fear he said the landing was smooth, but added that the plane had become stuck on the runway.
Ms Gray, who co-presented Channel 4's coverage of the recent Turner Prize ceremony in Glasgow, tweeted: "The hugest kisses and hugs to the @British_Airways pilot who just landed the plane my husband was on when the landing gear failed."

Passenger Ben Le Pear also tweeted: "Just landed back after BA 295 to Chicago diverted back after two hours for 'technical reasons' on runway met by fire engines."

Heathrow apologised to passengers after the technical fault meant it could only use one runway for a time on Saturday, causing disruption to flights.

Heathrow airport tweeted: "Due to a technical issue with an aircraft that needed resolving on the runway, Heathrow operated with only one runway for a short time.

"We're sorry that this has caused some disruption to flights. Passengers should check with their airline before travelling to the airport."