BBC apologises over DJ's 'dead Queen joke'

The BBC apologised "unreservedly" after a radio DJ joked during a live broadcast that the Queen had died.

Danny Kelly, 39, told BBC WM listeners he had an important announcement to make before saying: "Queen Elizabeth II has now died."

The DJ played the national anthem as he made the joke during his weekday afternoon slot yesterday, which is broadcast from the corporation's Birmingham base to listeners across the West Midlands.

It is believed the comment was a reference to a fan on the show's Facebook page.

A BBC spokesman said: "We can confirm that Danny Kelly made an inappropriate remark about The Queen during his radio show on BBC WM.

"Although made as part of a light-hearted piece about social media friends, and corrected on-air immediately after it was made, the comment was entirely inappropriate and the BBC apologises unreservedly for it.

"There was no intention to offend. BBC WM takes this comment very seriously. Action is being taken."

The spokesman could not comment on what action had been taken, or on whether the DJ would be on air today.

On the BBC WM website Danny Kelly is described as having a "unique brand of humour". A short statement alongside his picture reads, "You never know what will happen next, but it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face".