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Nicky Campbell reportedly apologises after using homophobic slur in BBC meeting

Monday, 20 July 2026 at 11:52

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell has reportedly apologised to colleagues after using a homophobic slur during a private work meeting.

The 65-year-old broadcaster is said to have used the slur “p***ter” in a recent meeting with around six editors and producers connected to his show, according to the Daily Mail.

It is reported that Campbell repeated the word while retelling a story about an incident in which someone else had used it. A source claimed there were mixed reactions in the room, saying: “At the time, about half the people were saying, ‘What the f***’, but others were laughing about it.”

They added: “But there’s been a growing backlash since then. There are people who could be really offended by the comment.”

According to Metro, a BBC editor apologised to staff members for any offence caused as the meeting ended. Campbell is then said to have apologised to colleagues in a face-to-face follow-up. It is not known whether Campbell will face any further action from the BBC.

Gaydio has contacted a representative for Campbell for comment.

Campbell is a Scottish broadcaster with a long career across BBC radio and television. He joined BBC Radio 5 Live in 1997 after working at Radio 1, and co-presented 5 Live’s Breakfast show for nearly 20 years before leaving in 2021. In recent years, Campbell has also been known as co-host of ITV’s Long Lost Family alongside Davina McCall, and previously fronted BBC programmes including Watchdog and Panorama.

Campbell has previously called out a homophobic guest during a 5 Live radio show after the guest claimed homosexuality was a choice.

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