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May 14, 2013

Slurring BBC radio presenter taken off air during farewell broadcast

By Press Gazette

A BBC radio presenter was taken off air midway through her broadcast after a listener accused her of sounding drunk.

Paula White was making her last appearance on BBC Radio Stoke’s afternoon show last Friday when she began slurring her words, prompting a text from a listener saying she sounded drunk.

According to the BBC, White responded by saying: “I have had a couple of drinks but I am not drunk.”

White, who had presented the 1pm-4pm afternoon show for six years, was replaced by a stand-in host after half an hour.

A BBC spokesman said: "Paula White was unable to continue on-air on Friday as she was under par.

"Fortunately, Denholm Siergertz was on hand to take over the show and listeners were able to enjoy the usual lively mix of chat and local news."

The BBC did not say whether any further action would be taken over the incident.

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