BBC Radio host drops F word live on air as he struggles with cramp – as fans threaten to call Ofcom
Ian, who hosts the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Derby, was caught off guard when a painful cramp caused him to swear live on air, mistakenly thinking he was off the microphone.
The awkward moment came just one day after he and his team had completed a course aimed at improving their broadcasting skills.
During the broadcast, listeners overheard Ian suddenly cry out, "Ow, f***ing hell," before the program quickly resumed with his co-hosts chatting following a song.
In a lighthearted response, Ian's co-host joked about the timing, saying: "I don't think they suggested suddenly getting unbearably agonising cramp and shouting really loud on the radio."
Ian replied with a hesitant laugh: "No, that's probably not what I should have come in and done today."
He then acknowledged the slip-up, saying: "Can I just say, if before that amazing song from Kate Bush, and I say if. You'd have had to be deaf if you didn't hear a rude word."
He went on to offer a heartfelt apology: "I really profusely apologise. You know when something happens and it's just instinct. My very, very calm producer said 'you're still on the radio, Ian.'"
TV critic Scott Bryan highlighted the moment on social media with the comment: "We now cross over to BBC Radio Derby."
The clip quickly sparked reactions online.
One listener wrote: "Known Ian for 30 yeas. He is a good guy. This is a moment and it has passed. Why we still feel the need to pretend to be shocked in a 24/7 unedited world is beyond me. Plus, it is possibly one of the most entertaining things on BBC derby in years!"
Others shared their amusement, with one saying: "I honestly think this is my moment of the year," and another adding, "I have laughed so hard at this so many times, thank you for posting it, thank you so much."
Moment BBC presenter gives middle finger to the camera live on air
Many praised Ian's quick recovery: "Perfectly managed. Swore, made a joke. Didn't make a big deal of it. Really well handled."
However, not everyone was amused.
Some expressed concern, with one listener remarking: "Tens of people in the Derby and the Derby area will have heard a swearword, and you're laughing."
Another commented: "Did not apologise straight away, made a joke instead. Ofcom warning."
Ian has been a radio presenter for more than 13 years, with experience at stations including Radio Wyvern in Worcester, as well as others in Kent, Newcastle, and Teesside.
It was at Radio Wyvern where he adopted his professional name.
His real surname is Wickens - but his managers suggested it wouldn't fit well in jingles.
Inspired by the Isle of Skye, he chose the name Ian Skye.
This incident draws a parallel with a similar moment involving Maryam Moshiri in December 2023, when she accidentally raised her middle finger on live BBC News.
At the time, Maryam explained: "Hey everyone, yesterday just before the top of the hour I was joking around a bit with the team in the gallery.
"I was pretending to count down as the director was counting me down from 10-0.. including the fingers to show the number. So from 10 fingers held up to one.
"When we got to 1 I turned finger around as a joke and did not realise that this would be caught on camera. It was a private joke with the team and I'm so sorry it went out on air!"
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