Dermot O'Leary has been cleared by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom after swearing during a live Comic Relief danceathon on BBC One Red Button. The incident occurred at 13:30 on 13 March, well before the watershed, when O'Leary swore after a surprise visit from a friend.
Ofcom noted that O'Leary was initially unaware he had sworn but apologised 40 seconds later, with a further on-screen apology. The BBC also displayed a caption stating: 'we apologise for the use of strong language'.
The watchdog acknowledged that O'Leary was an experienced broadcaster who knew the rules about bad language and that he was wearing a microphone. However, at the time of the swearing, he had been dancing for 18 hours, including through the night, having started the challenge at 19:00 the previous evening.
Ofcom said that despite the word being regarded as 'the most offensive language', it had not been scripted and was directed at a friend 'in a tone which was amicable rather than aggressive'. The BBC 'took all reasonable steps in a timely manner to mitigate any offence caused', the watchdog added.
Hundreds of supporters, including Rastamouse, Sir Terry Wogan, Davina McCall and Little Mix, cheered O'Leary on during the broadcast, many dancing with him or serenading him.
