Ricky Tomlinson caused chaos on The One Show on Tuesday after appearing to swear live on air. The 84-year-old Royle Family star was recalling an audition story when he mouthed 'f*** off' and shook his fist at the camera.
The incident occurred as Tomlinson told hosts Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas about a tense audition with director Roland Joffe. He said he told Joffe to 'stick it' and was walking down the stairs when Joffe shouted after him. Tomlinson then re-enacted his response, mouthing the expletive clearly.
The episode was later removed from BBC iPlayer, with viewers taking to X to express shock. Some criticised the show for not apologising on air. A BBC spokesperson said: 'Due to the nature of live broadcasts, bad language can sometimes occur. We apologise for any offence caused.'
Tomlinson was on the programme to promote his new travelogue with Sue Johnston, 'Ricky, Sue and a Trip or Two', which airs on More4. The series includes a visit to Shrewsbury Prison, where Tomlinson was held in the 1970s after being jailed for conspiracy to intimidate and affray during a builders' strike.
