Nick Robinson made his debut as a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Monday. The former BBC political editor’s comeback, just eight months after surgery to remove a lung tumour, was keenly anticipated and included an interview with the prime minister about recent events in Paris.
But Robinson, who has previously discussed the damage to his vocal cords following the operation, revealed this week that he was still having daily voice therapy to help with his speech and confidence. The 52-year-old could be heard struggling to speak at several points throughout the eventful broadcast, in which his colleague Jim Naughtie also swore live on air.
Robinson apologised on Twitter to Today’s approximately 7 million listeners.
Apologies for croaky first day start on @BBCr4today. Been a long time off !
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) November 16, 2015
Looks like being one of those days on @BBCr4today !Stay tuned for the Prime Minister on what the Paris attacks mean for Britain
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) November 16, 2015
Other social media users have been reacting to Robinson’s broadcast. A few seemed quite concerned about him:
Great that @bbcnickrobinson inputting @BBCr4today but listening to his seemingly straining voice is uncomfortable. Sounds like it hurts?
— THD (@Twiverpool) November 16, 2015
Very sensitive interviews from @bbcnickrobinson; just worry if he's fully recovered; such a demanding job on voice- take care sir #r4today
— Horny Toed (@HornyToed) November 16, 2015
Belief that @bbcnickrobinson is in pain is making it difficult to listen to his croaky voice on #R4Today.Hope he isn’t. Overactive #empathy
— Melanie Whyatt (@Evermel) November 16, 2015
Really appreciating @bbcnickrobinson on @BBCr4today. It does sound as though his poor voice is going though. Drink lots of fluids, Nick X
— Jenny Mclaughlin (@jennymaclondon) November 16, 2015
Some others though were not so keen:
The main problem with Nick Robinson is not his voice, it's his deference in every interview he conducts with a Tory minister #r4today
— Gideonomics (@davessidekick) November 16, 2015
Finally @bbcnickrobinson notices that @David_Cameron is cutting #police budgets. Pity he asks #LordBlair the question instead! @BBCr4today
— ROUcynic (@ROUCynic) November 16, 2015
But many were just glad the presenter had returned to the airwaves:
Croakiness is trivial @bbcnickrobinson @BBCr4today Jam-packed knowledge of the history & progress of British issues is what matters.#r4today
— Jo Hugh (@obknit) November 16, 2015
@bbcnickrobinson @BBCr4today Brilliant to have you back!
— David Bradbrook (@DavidBradbrook) November 16, 2015
Good to hear @bbcnickrobinson on @BBCRadio4 this morning
— Marcie Bell - TFH (@MarcieTFH) November 16, 2015
Thanks @bbcnickrobinson glad you've joined #r4today @BBCr4today #newsreporting at it's best
— Sue Gough (@SueGoughPR) November 16, 2015
If #nickrobinson always conducts his interviews on @BBCr4today in the the same thoughtful yet perspicacious way, then he is a lesson to all
— Diane Williams (@chlorineblonde) November 16, 2015
And some were too busy focusing on this unfortunate blip:
Big fan of Jim Naughtie starting the day by swearing on Radio 4, should become a regular feature: pic.twitter.com/Xi0ATpX3Sz
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) November 16, 2015
A BBC spokesman, who confirmed that Naughtie was responsible for the slip, said: “The Today programme was live on location from Paris and, as with any live broadcast, occasionally slip-ups may happen. We apologise to listeners for any offence caused.”
