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Sara Cox slammed by furious BBC Radio 2 listeners over 'inappropriate' quip on air

BBC Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox has infuriated some of her listeners after making an “inappropriate” joke.

Sara, 47, was hosting her regular spot last week when she asked listeners to call in about a “random, rickety ride” they’d been on before.

One fan called in to say explain how they once didn’t think they’d even survive during one local fairground visit.

Following that listener’s story, Sara then made her off-the-cuff remark which angered many at home who had tuned in.

She said: “That’s the thing with smaller local fairs, isn’t it? Their rollercoaster rides are held together with rusty screws, Blu Tack and crossed fingers.”

Sara came under fire from her radio listeners
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

However, many show listeners complained and mentioned how her comment was offensive via social media.

One angry fan wrote: “Your comments last night about Fairgrounds were totally misguided and inappropriate.”

Another tweeted: “An apology would be appreciated. Every piece of fairground equipment cannot operate without a yearly test carried out by an ADIPS inspector.”

The BBC has released a statement in her defence

While a third penned: “Hello @sarajcox I’ve always been a fan of you and your show, but I was quite upset at your throwaway comment about small fairgrounds being held together with ‘Bluetack and rusty screws’. As an owner of a small fairground, this is definitely not the case at all!”

The BBC has since responded to the complaints, claiming that Sara did not mean any offence.

Their statement read: “Sara made an off the cuff comment in response to a listener text about rollercoaster rides and was referring to her own childhood memories of fairground rides and not present day standards.

The star hosts her own regular radio show
(Image: GETTY)

“She did not mean to offend any of her listeners and the comment was in no way intended to be derogatory to local fairs.”

Sara has had a rough few years, after suddenly losing her brother and not long after her pet pooch too.

The 56-year-old dad fell victim to a heart condition just before Christmas 2019 and her dog died in 2021.

A funeral announcement in their hometown newspaper, Bolton News, read: “Beloved partner to Linda, a loving son, father, brother, uncle and dear friend to many. Sadly missed.”

Sara has had a rough few years with family losses
(Image: ADAM GERRARD/Daily Mirror)

Sara’s family then decided to raise money for the British Heart Foundation as a tribute to David.

Their statement on the JustGiving website read: “David passed away suddenly on December 6 due to an unknown underlying heart condition.

“The British Heart Foundation raises money to fund life-saving medicines and research.

“We are therefore raising money in David’s memory and donating it to this worthy cause.”

A source said: “He died so suddenly, Sara is absolutely heartbroken. The whole family has been really shaken by the death.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


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