Long-serving BBC Radio 4 presenter taken off air after 'struggling' with voice

A BBC Radio 4 presenter was taken off air after appearing to struggle with his voice during the Today programme.

Justin Webb, the long-serving presenter of Radio 4’s Today, began Tuesday morning’s programme alongside Anna Foster at 6am.

But the 65-year-old repeatedly coughed and apologised to listeners as he appeared to struggle with his throat.

Webb, 65, was taken off air today (October 6)

(Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover)

Webb read the opening headlines before saying “excuse me” as he cleared his throat.

He returned to the programme several minutes later to introduce Simon King’s weather forecast before later discussing the newspaper headlines and questioning BBC News journalist Simon Atkinson about OpenAI’s breach of Australian government websites earlier this year.

However, just before 6.40am, Foster revealed that Webb would no longer be presenting alongside her.

She said: “It is 20 to seven now. Jonny Dymond is here, good morning.

Webb presents the show with Anna Foster

BBC

“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.”

Webb used to present Today with journalist Martha Kearney

BBC

Dymond replied: “Poor man has the conference lurgi that sweeps around these places every year. But, yes, it is 20 to seven.”

Dymond then continued presenting the programme alongside Foster.