Fans of The Inbetweeners would expect nothing less from the iconic Jay Cartwright, and actor James Buckley certainly delivered a moment of pure television gold during his appearance on Celebrity Catchphrase. The 36-year-old star left host Stephen Mulhern utterly speechless with a blunder that has since set the internet ablaze.
During the ITV gameshow, which aired on Saturday evening, Buckley was faced with deciphering a classic phrase from animated clues. As the puzzle began to take shape, showing a cartoon character appearing to search for something, Buckley confidently buzzed in with what he believed was the correct answer.
A Guess That Missed the Mark
With his trademark cocky assurance, Buckley declared the phrase to be "Looking for a ring". The studio audience erupted into laughter, while a bemused Stephen Mulhern could only shake his head in disbelief. The actual phrase, a well-known idiom, was of course "Looking for a needle in a haystack".
The hilarious gaffe instantly became the standout moment of the episode, showcasing the same comedic timing that made his character, Jay, so beloved for his outrageous and often inaccurate boasts.
Social Media Erupts
Viewers quickly took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share their amusement. Clips of the moment have been widely shared, with many fans commenting that the mistake was "so perfectly Jay". The incident has proven that Buckley's talent for generating laughs extends far beyond the scripted world of The Inbetweeners.
Despite the mishap, James Buckley took it all in good stride, laughing along with the host and audience. The episode served as a brilliant reminder of his enduring appeal and comedic charm, endearing him even more to his legion of fans. It was a classic case of life imitating art, and television audiences were here for every second of it.
