Sacked DJ Whale becomes TV host

Sacked radio presenter James Whale has landed a job on a TV shopping channel.

The controversial phone-in host was fired from Talksport after urging listeners to vote for Boris Johnson in London's mayoral election.

He is now joining home shopping channel Bid TV and said his career had "come full circle" as he worked as a trainee buyer at Harrods "some years ago".

Bid TV said the 56-year-old would appear on screens in an evening slot, starting later this month.

"It won't be long before I know more about diamond jewellery, toasters and kettles than anyone could ever imagine," said Whale, who added he was "up for a new challenge".

Andy Hodgson, a spokesman for Bid TV, said Talksport's loss was his channel's gain.

"We're delighted to welcome James on board and expect him to stoke some bargain-hunting fever amongst our viewers in his true, inimitable style."

Ofcom investigation

Industry regulator Ofcom is investigating three complaints made about comments in Whale's broadcast on Talksport on 20 March.

The presenter encouraged voters in London to choose the Tory candidate in the mayoral election.

It is illegal for broadcasters to show any bias towards a political party in the run-up to any such poll.

Talksport said the presenter's contract was terminated after a breach of the Ofcom broadcasting code on impartiality.

"James Whale is guilty of a gross error of judgement, which we found to be totally unacceptable," a spokesman for the station said.

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