BBC Radio 4 presenter Justin Webb was taken off air after falling ill during Tuesday morning's live broadcast of the Today programme.
Webb, 65, opened the programme alongside Anna Foster at 6am. His voice sounded strained as he coughed on air and struggled to finish some sentences, apologising several times.
On-air struggles
Shortly after Foster introduced the programme, Webb read the headlines and said “excuse me” within seconds as he cleared his throat. He later introduced Simon King's weather forecast and discussed the Daily Mirror headlines, also asking BBC News journalist Simon Atkinson questions about OpenAI's breach of Australian government websites earlier this year.
At 6.40am, Foster announced: “It is 20 to seven now. Jonny Dymond is here, good morning. Important to say, if you’ve heard Justin’s voice this morning, he’s at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham.”
Stand-in confirmed
She added: “He’s struggling a bit with his throat, so we’re saving him … we’re saving him for that. And, Jonny, you’re here with me to continue with everything.”
Dymond replied: “Poor man has the conference lurgi that sweeps around these places every year. But, yes, it is 20 to seven.” He then continued presenting the programme with Foster. The BBC has been contacted for comment.
