This is Staffordshire --POPULAR radio presenter Paula White has issued an apology after being taken off air for appearing to slur her words.
And she appears to have won the backing of BBC bosses who have confirmed she will return to Radio Stoke 'in the near future.'
Concerns had been raised by listeners that Paula's time at the station would be brought to an end after she was taken off air during her final weekday afternoon show.
But Paula has issued an apology to friends, relatives, colleagues and listeners.
Appearing on the breakfast show yesterday, she said: "After six-and-a-half years it was a terrible error of judgement to go on air that day."
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Paula lasted 30 minutes on air during her farewell show on Friday, May 11 before her move to a Saturday slot.
During her half-hour on air she said: "It's a P-A-R-T-Y because I ssssaid soooo." She added: "If you want a song, let's have a party, party, party. Last day with Paula."
One listener sent a text to the show complaining that the DJ sounded drunk.
But Paula replied: "I'm not drunk. I've had a couple of drinks, but I'm not drunk."
During her apology yesterday Ms White added: "The past few months have been difficult and if you're a regular to my show, you'll know I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve but that day, in hindsight, I should not have sat down to do the show."
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She was replaced on May 11 by Denholm Siergertz who told listeners: "Paula's gone home. She's not feeling quite herself today. Obviously it's an emotional day for her, so you've got me."
A spokesman later claimed the DJ was 'unable to continue as she was under par'.
Now the BBC appears to have continued to back Ms White.
A spokesman for the corporation said: "Paula White has apologised and we have drawn a line under the matter." And listeners have spoken out in support of the popular DJ.
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Christine Morton, aged 64, from Newcastle said: "I always listen to her show and you could tell she was very emotional about leaving it.
"She had cheered me up over the years and I once wrote in to the show because I know she loves receiving letters.
"I think she is a natural radio presenter and she is by far my favourite on Radio Stoke."
The retired insurance worker from Peake Street said a lot of the regular listeners were relieved Paula would continue at the station.
She said: "I was very worried that she was going to face the sack.
"I listened to her on that day and she made me laugh as usual.
"At points I was concerned that she had been drinking but when I rang up the show I was told by a colleague that she was just emotional." Reported by This is 34 minutes ago.