BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell, 65, has apologised to colleagues after repeatedly using a homophobic slur during a meeting with six editors and producers last week. According to a source, Campbell used the word 'p***ter' in reported speech while recounting an incident where someone else had used the term. The context did not prevent shock among co-workers, with half of those present reportedly reacting with disbelief while others laughed.
Apology and Backlash
After the meeting ended, an editor apologised to other staff members. Once Campbell became aware that some had been offended, he held his own meeting to apologise face-to-face to the entire team. A source told the Daily Mail: 'At the time, about half the people were saying, "What the f**k?", but others were laughing about it. But there’s been a growing backlash since then. There are people who could be really offended by the comment.'
BBC Response and Career Highlights
When contacted by the Daily Mail, the BBC declined to say whether Campbell could face disciplinary action. Campbell has been a broadcaster since 1981 and joined BBC Radio 5 Live in 1997, hosting the morning show and later the breakfast slot from 2003. He has co-hosted with Victoria Derbyshire, Shelagh Fogarty, and Rachel Burden, and also presents the phone-in show Your Call. His coverage includes four Olympic Games, three World Cups, and every general election and referendum since 1997. He was inducted into the Arqiva Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2014. Metro has contacted Campbell's representatives for comment.
