BBC News | ENTERTAINMENT | DJ Cox's Queen Mother gaffe

The BBC has reprimanded Radio 1 breakfast show DJ Sara Cox after she said the Queen Mother "smells of wee".

The 25-year-old presenter broadcast her show from the holiday island of Ibiza on Friday as part of a weekend of programmes from the island.

She led the audience in a rendition of Happy Birthday to mark the Queen Mother's centenary, and played music from the year 1900.

But 12 people rang the BBC to complain when she said: "It's the Queen Mum's birthday today. Ah, she smells of wee but we all love her."

Cox led the audience in a rendition of Happy Birthday for the Queen Mother
Radio 1 bosses immediately called Cox to reprimand her, and controller Andy Parfitt issued a public apology.

"It was an unfortunate momentary lapse which was ill-judged. Sara is very sorry.

"She dedicated a large part of this morning's Radio 1 breakfast show to wishing the Queen Mother a happy 100th birthday.

"She only intended to convert the love and affection of the younger generation towards Her Majesty on this day, with the humour and respect her audience would expect.

"Radio 1 apologises unreservedly."

It is not the first time Cox has found herself in trouble since she took over the show in April.

She was recently reprimanded for making comments about the genitalia of Radio 1 colleagues Jamie Theakston and Simon Mayo.

However, she has maintained the high ratings inherited by her predecessor, Zoe Ball.


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