Every now and then, something unusual happens that no one could have predicted. Back in early 2017, Babestation found itself at the centre of one such moment—when a simple phone number confusion unexpectedly linked us to the beautiful Irish town of Westport, County Mayo.
What followed was a mix of surprise, good humour, and genuine human connection that still brings a smile to our faces.
A Case of the Wrong Number
It all began when some callers from Ireland tried to reach our live chat lines but forgot to dial the UK international code. Instead of calling +44 982…, they simply dialed 0982…—a regional code that belongs to Westport.
The result? Locals started receiving late-night calls intended for Babestation presenters. Understandably, many residents were confused—and in some cases, more than a little amused—by the unexpected attention. The story quickly caught the media’s eye and began appearing in newspapers and websites across Ireland and the UK.
For a short while, our name was being discussed far from our usual audience, and Westport became the unlikely setting of a story that blended tech error with unexpected charm.
A Personal Response
At Babestation, we knew we had to respond—but not with a press release or some generic statement. This was something different. People had been inconvenienced, yes—but they’d also reacted with grace, humour, and patience.
So we did the most human thing we could think of: we got on a plane.
Three of our presenters—Alexa Brooke, Priya Young, and Vicky Narni—travelled to Westport to meet the locals, say a heartfelt sorry, and show that we took the mix-up seriously (while keeping things light). The goal was never to make a spectacle—just to meet people face to face and make things right.
What we found in Westport was nothing short of lovely. The locals welcomed the presenters with open arms (and plenty of curious smiles). Drivers honked as they passed by, passers-by stopped for selfies, and the general feeling in the town was one of warmth and amusement rather than anger.
As Alexa said at the time: “We’re not here to upset anyone—we’re here to apologise and say thank you for taking it all in such good humour.”
A Lesson in Communication (In More Ways Than One)
Of course, the mix-up prompted us to review our phone number formats and international dialling instructions. While the confusion came from how some callers were dialling from Ireland, we knew we could help avoid future issues by being clearer in our messaging.
But beyond the technical side of things, the real takeaway was how something unexpected can bring people together in unusual ways.
Westport’s response could have been different—but instead, it became a story of understanding and light-heartedness. And for our team, it was a reminder that behind every call, every channel, and every brand, there are people. People who appreciate being spoken to honestly and respectfully—even if it’s about something as unexpected as a misdirected phone call.
Looking Back
The Westport incident has stayed with us—not because it was dramatic, but because it was human. It showed us the importance of how we react when things don’t go to plan. It gave us a chance to engage with a community that we’d never expected to be connected to. And it reminded us that sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones you never saw coming.
We’re grateful to the people of Westport for their patience, their humour, and their kindness. We’ll always remember the town that picked up the phone when it wasn’t meant to ring—and did so with a smile.