Under-fire BBC Radio WM breakfast show host Phil Upton admitted he faced “an interesting morning” today after an on-air gaffe in which he compared England’s Ashes win to the Second World War.
He was forced to apologise on air after angry listeners rang to complain over his comments on his show on Friday when he asked whether the triumph was England’s “finest hour” and a bigger achievement than the defeat of the Nazis.
On social networking site Facebook on Saturday, Mr Upton, made a reference to the blunder, saying: “Phil Upton At Breakfast is following orders! Mobile Off. Head Down Contriteness is Order of the Day!
“Should make for an interesting programme on Monday morning - assuming I’m on-air of course!!”
But his Facebook followers responded to his status update with messages of support.
Neil John Ireland wrote: “I cannot see where any offence could come from. Some people need to get a life. I am sure Les Ross [former breakfast show host] caused more offence in his time!
“Keep your chin up, Phil and I look forward to listening to you and Daz on Monday.”
Raymond Goodwin added: “Phil I’m CEO of a voluntary organisation and to say I say the odd wrong thing is an understatement.
“It happens to all of us. It wasn’t that bad keep your chin up.”
Cricket fan Mr Upton opened Friday’s show with a celebration of the 3-1 victory Down Under but soon attracted calls from irate members of his audience.
The DJ also admitted during the show that he had been sent e-mails from upset followers.
“Elizabeth repelled the Spanish Armada, Nelson beat Napoleon at Waterloo, Churchill saw off Hitler and now Andrew Strauss and his men have crushed the Aussies in their own backyard,” he said.
“Is this our finest hour?” Mr Upton repeated the question at about 7.30am, again at 7.45am and several more times during the show as he urged listeners to ring in.
The first caller to take Mr Upton to task was Derek Campbell, a government advisor on gangs and chairman of Race Equality Sandwell.
Mr Campbell ranted: “How on earth can you compare the success in Australia to the Second World War.
“Come on Phil, get with it.”
A BBC spokesman said: “Phil, along with many others, was ecstatic about the Ashes win. As part of the coverage Phil highlighted other great victories and tongue-in-cheek, asked listeners to tell him how they thought this compared with the country’s other finest moments.
“A number of listeners texted us to join in the celebrations. Two people contacted us to say they didn’t like the reference and we gave them the opportunity to say so on air.”
