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BBC Radio 4's Justin Webb, 65, is pulled from the Today programme after struggling with his throat live on air

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.

Justin Webb, who was stood down from the Today programme desk after repeated coughing fits, with co-presenter Anna Foster quipping he might need something more warming than coffee.
Justin Webb, who was stood down from the Today programme desk after repeated coughing fits, with co-presenter Anna Foster quipping he might need something more warming than coffee.

Royal correspondent Jonny Dymond stepped in at 6.40am, quipping that Webb had caught 'the conference lurgi that sweeps around these places every year.' Webb had managed to read headlines, introduce the weather, and quiz a reporter on OpenAI's breach of Australian government websites before finally being rested.

Foster told listeners Webb was 'struggling a bit with his throat — we're saving him for that.'

Fans on social media called for 'a lorry load of Lemsip' for the long-serving presenter.

MoreMetroBBC Radio 4 presenter Justin Webb taken off air after 'struggling with throat'The IndependentRadio 4 host taken off air after ‘struggling a bit with his throat’Evening StandardLong-serving BBC Radio 4 presenter taken off air after 'struggling' with voiceThe Independent on MSNRadio 4 host taken off air after struggling during programme
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