The Mike Read Ukip Calypso has been banned by Mike Read

The Ukip Calypso, a song Nigel Farage wanted to get to number one, is to be withdrawn from sale by the man behind it.

Former Radio 1 DJ Mike Read today said sorry for "unintentionally causing offence" with the song, which he performed in a mock Caribbean accent.

I'm so sorry that the song unintentionally caused offence. That was never my intention and I apologise unreservedly if anyone has taken offence.

I've asked the record company to withdraw the single immediately.

• Mike Read

The move represents a massive U-turn from Read, who only days ago had insisted the song was a "bit of fun".

"Look, I work in a delightfully multicultural business and adore doing accents. The calypso is simply a bit of fun and not meant to be remotely offensive," he said on Monday.

"Apologies of course if anyone has taken offence, but I have worked and sung in Jamaica for the tourist board and often have fun with the guys out there doing the accent."

While at Radio 1 in the 1980s, Read refused to play Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood because of the song's lyrics.

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