Ed Miliband defends naked prank DJ

Robin Galloway and his producer Barrie Hodge parted company with Real Radio after the presenter filmed Hodge streaking naked behind Miliband while the politician was being interviewed in the Glasgow studios.

Miliband, who had his back to the incident, was not aware of what was going on at the time, and said the pair should not have lost their jobs.

Real Radio bosses said Galloway's departure was "regrettable", but insisted they had acted appropriately.

However last night, a spokesman for Scottish Labour said: "Senior staff from Ed's office yesterday spoke to the station manager to say he thought they should not lose their jobs.

"Last week, when he visited the studios, Ed was a bit bemused, and didn't really see the incident take place.

"Labour strives to have a positive relationship with all broadcasters in Scotland and looks forward to working closely with Real Radio in the future."

The moment of madness has been an expensive one for Galloway, who is believed to earn around 100,000 for his presenting role. He also has a regular column in a national newspaper. Station chiefs confirmed their departure centred around the filming of a nude Hodge in the background of the Glasgow studio, during which Miliband was being interviewed by a journalist.

A spokeswoman for Real Radio's owners, GMG Radio, said the prank happened on Thursday, 28 October, and Galloway had been off air since the following day.

Galloway, 48, who was well known for his on-air jokes, said: "Ed Miliband was in the studio being interviewed by a journalist after I came off air.

"I said to my producer Barrie it'd be funny if he did a streak past the window and I'd film it. Barrie agreed."

The DJ said that he quit voluntarily: "I always intended to leave once my current contract was up."