Radio Stoke presenter Paula White pulled off-air for slurring her words and 'sounding drunk'

BBC Radio Stoke presenter Paula White who was removed from her Friday show after slurring and appearing drunk (BBC )

BBC Radio Stoke presenter Paula White was taken off-air after slurring and appearing to be drunk.

The presenter, who was marking her last Friday show before moving to a Saturday slot, told listeners: “It’s a P-A-R-T-Y because I sssaid sooooo. If you want a song, let’s have a party, party, party. Last day with Paula.”

Shortly after the start of her show a listener sent in a text to say she sounded drunk. White said: “I’m not drunk. I have had a couple of drinks but I am not drunk.”

She was replaced by another host, Denholm Siergertz, after 30 minutes.

A BBC Radio Stoke spokesman said she had been “unable to continue as she was under par” but refused to comment on whether alcohol was involved.

A BBC statement said: “Paula White was unable to continue on-air on Friday as she was under par. Fortunately, Denholm Siergertz was on hand to take over the show and listeners were able to enjoy the usual lively mix of chat and local news.”

It is unknown whether further action will be taken against White or if she will continue to work at Radio Stoke, where she has presented the 1pm-4pm Friday slot for six years.

Fred Hughes, a columnist for local paper The Sentinel and a friend of White, said: “I have a lot of time for Paula and even if she had a drink I don’t think it should overshadow what a great radio presenter she is.

“Paula has done so much for the community that I think it would be unfair is she was remembered for something like this.”