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Slurring Radio Stoke presenter Paula White taken off air | Slurring Radio Stoke presenter Paula White taken off air |
(35 minutes later) | |
A BBC Radio Stoke presenter was taken off air after slurring and appearing to be drunk. | A BBC Radio Stoke presenter was taken off air after slurring and appearing to be drunk. |
Paula White was removed after 30 minutes of her afternoon show on Friday, which was to be her last show in that slot. | Paula White was removed after 30 minutes of her afternoon show on Friday, which was to be her last show in that slot. |
She said on air that she had had a couple of drinks, but was not drunk. | She said on air that she had had a couple of drinks, but was not drunk. |
A BBC spokesman said she had been "unable to continue as she was under par". The spokesman would not say if any other action had been taken. | |
Ms White had presented the 1pm-4pm slot for about six years. | |
'Done so much' | 'Done so much' |
Shortly after the start of a show a listener sent in a text to say she sounded drunk. | Shortly after the start of a show a listener sent in a text to say she sounded drunk. |
"I have had a couple of drinks but I am not drunk," Ms White said. | |
She was replaced by another presenter after half an hour. | She was replaced by another presenter after half an hour. |
Fred Hughes, a columnist for The Sentinel newspaper, who said he was a friend of Ms White, said the incident should not overshadow what a great radio presenter she is. | |
"Paula has done so much for the community that I think it would be unfair if she was to be remembered for something like this," he said. | "Paula has done so much for the community that I think it would be unfair if she was to be remembered for something like this," he said. |
A BBC statement said: "Paula White was unable to continue on-air on Friday as she was under par. | A BBC statement 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." | "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 has not confirmed if Ms White, a broadcaster more than 16 years experience, will continue to work at Radio Stoke or if any further action is to be taken. | The BBC has not confirmed if Ms White, a broadcaster more than 16 years experience, will continue to work at Radio Stoke or if any further action is to be taken. |