Entertainment
BBC apologises after major Radio 2 blunder during news report of Iran missile attack-Robert Oliver-Entertainment – Metro
The feeling definitely wasn’t right.
![BBC apologises after major Radio 2 blunder during news report of Iran missile attack-Robert Oliver-Entertainment – Metro](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SEI_183220573-cc23.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024)
The BBC has admitted to a huge ‘mistake’ (Picture: Getty)
The BBC has been forced to apologise after Radio 2 committed a major on-air blunder following a news report about the Iran-Israel missile attacks.
After the 5pm news bulletin on the station on Sunday – which provided updates on the current conflict between Iran and Israel – a song containing the lyrics ‘Oh, what a night!’ immediately played, outraging some listeners.
The song was Ladies Night by Kool and the Gang, which features the prominent line: ‘Oh yes it’s ladies night, and the feeling’s right, oh yes it’s ladies night, oh what a night!’
Unfortunately, the mistake happened as host Johnnie Walker brought his Sounds of the 70s show to an end and handed over to Judi Love, who sat in on Sunday evening for the absent Rob Beckett.
Ladies Night accidentally played over recorded audio of Israeli Defence Force spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner strongly criticising Iran for firing 350 missiles into Israeli territory on Saturday night.
It was the latest episode in an escalating conflict between the two nations following an Israeli attack on an Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria.
Judi Love was taking over hosting duties when the blunder happened (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
Despite being a hugely popular song in its day – reaching number nine on the UK charts in 1979 and eventually being covered by Atomic Kitten – Ladies Night didn’t go down well with those listening at home.
The production faux-pas caused Radio 2 fans to ask if it was ‘amateur hour’ at the BBC, while one person told The Sun: ‘I just thought, “Wow, someone must be having a wind-up here,” I was gobsmacked, I couldn’t believe they could have played that.’
Iran launched missiles into Israeli territory on Saturday night (Picture: EPA)
Kool and the Gang played over coverage of the Iran-Israel conflict (Picture: Redferns)
Soon after, the BBC apologised for the mix-up: ‘The introduction of the first song to be played on Judi Love’s show was played within a part of the Radio 2 news bulletin at 5pm by mistake. We apologise for the error.’
Former Prime Minister and current Foreign Secretary David Cameron advised the two countries to ‘de-escalate’ tensions in a bid to avoid ‘further loss of life and suffering’.
The blunder happened during a week when it was announced by Radio 2 who would be taking over from the legendary late presenter Steve Wright, who died earlier this year aged 69.
Steve had command of Saturday afternoon show Pick of the Pops on Radio 2 at the time of his death – he’ll be replaced by presenting veteran Mark Goodier.
Mark said of his new role: ‘It’s an honour to host the iconic Pick of the Pops, although I wish it were in happier circumstances as I was friends with Steve for almost 40 years.
‘I can’t wait to reminisce with Radio 2 listeners as we revisit two years in their lives, playing some of the best records ever made.’
Head of Radio 2 Helen Thomas said: ‘Mark is a brilliant broadcaster with a particular passion for chart countdowns, so I’m delighted he’s making a welcome return to Radio 2 in the prestigious Pick of the Pops slot, to complete our new weekend presenting line-up following the loss of our friend and colleague, Steve.’
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