BBC sorry over Queen 'death'

A radio presenter ran a false report that the Queen had died...

10:52 18 May 2010

The BBC have apologised 'unreservedly' after one of its DJs, Danny Kelly, 39, told BBC WM listeners he had an important announcement to make before stating that: "Queen Elizabeth II has now died."

The controversial DJ then proceeded to play the national anthem during his weekday afternoon slot on Monday. The show is broadcast from the corporation's Birmingham base to listeners across the West Midlands.

A BBC spokesman said: "We can confirm that Danny Kelly made an inappropriate remark about The Queen during his radio show on BBC WM.

"Although made as part of a light-hearted piece about social media friends, and corrected on-air immediately after it was made, the comment was entirely inappropriate and the BBC apologises unreservedly for it.

"There was no intention to offend.

"BBC WM takes this comment very seriously. Action is being taken."

It is unclear what action will be taken by the BBC in regard of the DJ, whose BBC WM website profile describes as having a "unique brand of humour". 

The false report is believed to be a tongue-in-cheek reference to a fan on the show's Facebook page.