BBC Radio 4 presenter Justin Webb was taken off air after appearing to struggle with his voice during the Today programme. The 65-year-old began Tuesday morning's programme alongside Anna Foster at 6am but repeatedly coughed and apologised to listeners as he struggled with his throat.
Mid-programme replacement
Webb read the opening headlines before saying "excuse me" as he cleared his throat. He returned several minutes later to introduce Simon King's weather forecast and later discussed newspaper headlines, questioning BBC News journalist Simon Atkinson about OpenAI's breach of Australian government websites earlier this year.
Just before 6.40am, Foster announced that Webb would no longer be presenting alongside her. She said: "It is 20 to seven now. Jonny Dymond is here, good morning."
Reason for absence
Foster explained: "Important to say, if you've heard Justin's voice this morning, he's at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham. 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 alongside Foster.
The London Standard has contacted the BBC for comment.
