BBC host Danny Baker apologises for ‘racist’ royal baby tweet featuring photo of chimp

The Radio 5 Live host has since been fired by the BBC

Danny Baker has been fired from the BBC following an apology over a “racist” tweet about the royal baby.

The former BBC Radio 5 Live host was criticised for the post, which he shared moments after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world.

The tweet featured a black-and-white photograph of a couple holding hands with a chimp dressed in a suit alongside the caption: “Royal baby leaves hospital”.

Baker swiftly removed the post after receiving backlash from Twitter users who branded it as “racist” due to Meghan Markle’s mixed-race.

The 61-year-old later apologised, writing: “Sorry my gag pic of the little fella in the posh outfit has whipped some up.

"Never occurred to me because, well, mind not diseased.

“Soon as those good enough to point out it’s possible connotations got in touch, down it came. And that’s it.

"Now stand by for sweary football tweets."

Baker also insisted the post was not meant to be racist, replying to one follower: “Connection never occurred to me till people were good enough to enlighten.

“Little fella in posh suit. Anyway, deleted now.”

However, people remained unimpressed with both the original tweet and Baker’s apology, and his name soon began trending on Twitter.

“Just seen why Danny Baker is trending. Not sure how you could ever explain the thought process of putting up such a crass photo,” one person wrote.

“Blimey that Danny Baker tweet is a shocker,” another added.

A third person commented: “If you're defending Danny Baker, you have a problem. It is NOT a joke or a bit of banter it's obvious how he feels and I hope he pays a heavy price. Imagine for one moment that Meghan & Harry have seen it. Now do you think it's ok??”

Others were so angry that they called for the broadcaster to be fired from his job at the BBC over the post.

“Danny Baker should be given today to resign and clear his desk. If he is still there at 16:59 @bbc MUST FIRE HIM! I’m disgusted by the hate and racism inherent in his tweet. Unforgivable,” one person tweeted.

Another agreed, adding: “Sorry, Danny Baker needs to go. There’s far too much tolerance of racism. Make it stop.”

On Thursday, Baker posted a tweet in which he claimed he had been fired from his role at the BBC, writing: "Just got fired from @bbc5live.

"For the record - it was red sauce. Always."

The royal baby was born on Monday 6 May before making his first public appearance at Windsor Castle two days later.

During the photocall, Meghan said that the newborn has the “sweetest temperament” and is “really calm”.

“It’s magic, it’s pretty amazing,” the 37-year-old added.

“I have the two best guys in the world so I’m really happy. He’s just been the dream so it’s been a special couple of days.”

Follow The Independent‘s live updates regarding the royal baby here.