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British RoyalsThe Sussexes

Danny Baker fired by the BBC for royal baby tweet

Danny Baker, one of the biggest names on British radio, has been fired by the BBC after posting a tweet containing images of a monkey in reference to the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie.

The tweet, which was posted on Wednesday and which has since been deleted, immediately drew complaints across the social media platform and Baker apologised for it. However, on Thursday morning he said he had been fired from his role at 5 Live. The BBC confirmed shortly afterwards that his contract had been terminated.

The message which led to the row showed an image of a couple holding hands with a chimpanzee dressed in clothes with the words ”Royal Baby leaves hospital”. It was immediately criticised as a reference to the Duchess of Sussex’s mixed race heritage.

Danny Baker said that had never been his intention, writing ”Was supposed to be joke about Royals vs circus animals in posh clothes but interpreted as about monkeys & race, so rightly deleted.” He added ”Sincere apologies for the stupid unthinking gag pic earlier.”

The BBC described the tweet as a serious error of judgement and said that the message ‘‘goes against the values we as a station aim to embody”. It added that “Danny’s a brilliant broadcaster but will no longer be presenting a weekly show with us.”

Danny Baker had presented a weekend show with 5 Live. He has been a household name in the UK for three decades, as a TV and radio presenter as well as a writer, performer and football expert.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.