BBC Radio 5 presenter Nicky Campbell forced to apologise after ‘repeatedly using homophobic slur’

| Live News reporter Published July 19, 2026 3:56pm Updated July 19, 2026 4:16pm Nicky Campbell reportedly used a homophobic slur during a meeting with BBC Radio colleagues (Picture: BBC) BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell was reportedly forced to apologise to colleagues after repeatedly using a homophobic slur during a meeting. The broadcaster, 65, has worked in television since 1981 and hosted on BBC Radio since 1987, with various daytime shows on Radio 5 over the years. It’s been claimed that Campbell used the word ‘p***ter’ in the company of six editors and producers last week. Metro understands that its context came in the form of reported speech, as he recounted an incident where someone had used the offensive term. Still, his co-workers are thought to have been shocked. After the meeting ended, an editor reportedly apologised to other staff members. And, as soon as he was aware that some people had been offended by the language used, we understand that Campbell apologised to all of the team face-to-face in a meeting of his own. Campbell is said to have apologised to his co-workers face-to-face (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) ‘At the time, about half the people were saying, “What the f**k?”, but others were laughing about it,’ a source added to the Daily Mail. ‘But there’s been a growing backlash since then. ‘There are people who could be really offended by the comment.’ When contacted for comment by the newspaper, the BBC declined to say whether Campbell could face disciplinary action. Campbell was offered a job at Radio 5 by Roger Mosey, the station’s head, in 1997. He began by presenting the morning show before taking over from Julian Worricker in the breakfast slot in 2003, initially co-hosting alongside Victoria Derbyshire. The 65-year-old was hired by station head Roger Mosey in 1997 (Picture: PA) Throughout his career, he has fronted some of the biggest radio and TV shows (Picture: BBC Studios) Campbell then co-presented with Shelagh Fogarty from 2004 to 2011, after which he was joined by Rachel Burden until 2021. During this time, Campbell also began hosting a one-hour phone-in titled Your Call after his main show, later extended to two hours. His coverage at Radio 5 Live has included four Olympic Games, three World Cups, and every general election and referendum since 1997, winning awards himself along the way. This has included his induction into the Arqiva Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2014, recognising his ‘immense contribution’ as a ‘celebrated broadcaster’ to UK audio and radio. Additionally, Campbell has worked at Radio 2 and Radio 3. TV-wise, Campbell’s first mainstream TV appearance came in 1987 when he hosted pop quiz show The Video Jukebox. He went on to become a regular host on Top of the Pops on BBC One and Wheel of Fortune, and had his own short-lived chat show. In recent years, the consumer journalist has become known for helming Watchdog reports, fronting Panorama, hosting Newsnight, and Bafta-winning Long Lost Family, the latter of which he’s done for 14 series with Davina McCall. While Campbell and McCall are often the ones reducing the nation to tears with the emotional family reunions, it was she who reached for the tissues in February 2024 when Campbell surprised her as Dippy Egg on The Masked Singer. Metro has contacted Nicky Campbell’s reps for comment. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Arrow MORE: Diane Morgan is a legend – so why is her new BBC comedy so frustrating Arrow MORE: Lauren Laverne diagnosed with ‘smouldering myeloma’ less than 2 years after cancer recovery Arrow MORE: ‘Harrowing’ BBC drama starring Michael Sheen as shellshocked parent races up Netflix top 10