ITV has to apologise for 'F' word

Published on Monday 20 December 2010 13:03

ITV show This Morning has avoided a rebuke over presenter Ruth Langsford accidentally swearing on air.

Viewers complained to TV watchdog Ofcom after Langsford, 50, was heard saying: "Hang on, we're not there yet, f***."

The presenter, who fronts the show on Fridays with husband Eamonn Holmes, was moving to another part of the studio for the next item and tripped over a cable when she turned the air blue.

As she was off camera and another item was being broadcast, she had not realised her words were picked up by viewers.

ITV told Ofcom it regretted the October broadcast and that "all presenters are well aware of the need to avoid such language in daytime programmes".

It said that by the time its team had confirmed the word had been broadcast, it was not possible for its presenters to apologise immediately on air.

Langsford apologised on Twitter later that day and to viewers on air at the start of the next day's programme.

She wrote on Twitter: "I'm really sorry for that slip this morning - I stubbed my toe and unfortunately my mic was still on. Thanks for understanding."

Langsford and Holmes had stepped in for the week to cover for Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who are on holiday.

Watchdog Ofcom said: "The word 'f***' and its derivatives are an example of the most offensive language. Rule 1.14 states that the most offensive language must not be broadcast before the watershed.

"Ofcom recognised that the programme was broadcast live and noted the circumstances of the incident, the various apologies given by the presenter and the action taken to remove the offensive language from on-demand services. Ofcom therefore considers the matter resolved."