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Finnish anchorman sacked for swigging live on air

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-10-20 13:05

Caught out: Finland's Kimmo Wilska swigs from his beer bottle live on air...

A Finnish anchorman has been sacked after being caught live on air drinking a bottle of beer.

Kimmo Wilska got into trouble when he pulled out the brew during recorded footage about licensing laws.

However, when the report cut back to the studio, the country's most well known English-speaking newsreader was seen taking a swig.

A YouTube video shows Wilska looking startled and spilling some of the alcohol down his suit before he wrapped up the show.

...sheepish looking Wilska realises that the pre-recorded report has ended and he is back on air.

More than 430,000 web users have viewed the video making it the latest internet

Furious television bosses have now fired Wilska, despite him telling them the whole incident had been a prank intended to make the behind-the-scenes crew laugh.

However, they refused to accept his excuses and fired Wilska - who is described by fans as the Barry White of Finland for his distinctive and deep tone of voice.

The gaff has also led to Wilska being compared to movie character Ron Burgundy. Funny man Will Ferrell played the San Diego newsreader in the 2004 hit.

Shell-shocked Wilska told TV bosses afterwards that the gaff was meant to be a joke.

The loud-mouthed character is seen knocking back scotch live on air.

Fans have now set up a Facebook page showing their support for Wilska which has already attracted more than 49,000 supporters from around the world.

Many have demanded that YLE TV give him back his job.

Red faced: The embarrassed anchor man signs off for the final time. Fans have since started a Facebook campaign to have him reinstated.

Fan, Vilhjalmur Olafsson said on the page: 'Come on, you guys. It was a joke.' While sympathetic Dominic Murphy wrote: 'A newsman with a sense of humour. Give him his job back.'