Rio replied: "That is not my bag that, that is not my game, talking about going out with geezers."

But when the DJ, a Leeds United fan, jokingly declared that he would always prefer Smith, an ex-Leeds player, his guest said: "You’re a faggot."

As others in the studio expressed shock, the England defender said: "I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m not homophobic."

After saying, "You can’t say that" Moylesy joked that the comment was "footballing terminology for a funny lad".

A spokeswoman for Radio 1 described the exchange as "banter".

But the banter could cause problems for the show, which has been in trouble before for its language.

Earlier this year the BBC came under fire from a homosexual rights group after it failed to uphold a complaint about Chris Moyles’s use of the word "gay" to mean "rubbish".

Today, a Radio 1 spokeswoman said just two phone complaints had been received about Ferdinand’s interview.

Chris lights up Leeds - 4 Nov
Leeds born Chris Moyles will be switching on the Leeds city centre Christmas lights this year. He will be accompanied by some of his show biz pals at the Victoria Gardens on the Headrow, Thursday 4 November at 7pm.

The switch on is a free event and hopes to draw in a 20,000 crowd . There will be a big screen so that everyone that goes should be able to see a shot of the self-proclaimed super hero. If Chris isn’t enough to drag you outside, then perhaps catching a glimpse of Girls Aloud might, the girls will be making a special appearance for the switch on.

Each year the turning on of the Christmas lights has marked the start of the festive season, as soon as the lights go on, Christmas really is just round the corner.

Chris will be spending a few days in his hometown and will also be broadcasting his breakfast show the next day from the BBC’s new studios in St Peter’s Square, Leeds. Don’t worry if you miss Girls Aloud at the switch on, you can catch them live on Chris’s show again in the morning.

Support Chris for Sports Relief! - July 04
Radio 1’s loudest and proudest presenters go head to head to raise money for Sport Relief ’04!

Chris Moyles and Scott Mills are lining up in the starting blocks for the Fitness First Sport Relief Mile this Saturday. Every day this week, they’re going to be battling it out to see who is the most popular Miler.

In an unprecedented move, Sport Relief has set up a mobile face-off, pitting the two high profile radio DJs against each other. Their challenge? Get as many people as possible to back their bid to Go the Extra Mile.

Chris will be up in Leeds this Saturday 10th July. If you listen to his show, on air every day this week from 7am to 10am on Radio 1, and want to see him take the lead, text the word ’CHRIS’ to 82125.

But if it’s Scott who’s got your loyalty, and you listen to his show (it’s from 3pm to 6pm every afternoon), then text the word ’SCOTT’ to 82125. Scott will be doing the Mile in the southern reaches of Southampton this Saturday.

So get texting and show your support for your favourite ’Jock’ - each text will cost you £1, of that at least 70p goes into the sponsorship pot for your favourite presenter.* All money raised will go directly to Sport Relief.