Ed Balls was given a telling-off during today's (March 15) episode of ITV's Good Morning Britain by co-host Susanna Reid as he 'let slip' a banned word. The presenter and former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer was left red-faced after being reminded that he was on live telly.
The blunder came as the host was trying to check whether one particular word could be said on TV prior to the 9pm watershed. Susanna promptly explained that it couldn't be.
However, he still went on to utter the banned word, forcing him to swiftly issue an apology to viewers. He insisted he "didn't know" he couldn't repeat the word.
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The awkward slip-up occurred while Ed was quoting ex-EastEnders star Danny Dyer, who is known to drop a few swear words during interviews. As entertainment correspondent, Richard Arnold, brought up the topic of Danny's new projects since leaving the BBC soap, his use of language was mentioned, as reported by the Express.
Upon speaking to Richard about it, Ed claimed: "He used the T-word." Susanna then said: "He did use it, yes." Ed went on to ask her: "Am I allowed to say that this early?"
"No, it's on the Ofcom list," the broadcaster warned. But Ed immediately uttered the word anyway. "So you can't say t*** - just checking?", he said. "No, you know we're on air!" Susanna exclaimed.
Richard jokingly added: "You can say trotters, though." Trying to make light of the awkward situation, Susanna quipped: "Yes, that's the T word that you meant, wasn't it?"
Looking at the cameras, Ed announced: "I apologise for that, I didn't mean to say that - I didn't know." Susanna was left shaking her head in disbelief over her co-presenter's error.
Many viewers watching the moment from home headed online to react to the "bizarre" exchange. On Twitter, Vicsmcd posted: "Bizarre swearing by Ed Balls on purpose - saying the “T***”. Weird #GMB." Admant1534 added: "Ed quoting Danny Dyer calling the Tories t***s...... 'What you can't say t**t on telly!' #gmb TV gold."
What is the watershed?
According to TV watchdog, Ofcom, protecting children from harmful material on TV and radio "is one of Ofcom’s most important duties." Its Broadcasting Code sets standards for television and radio shows and broadcasters must follow its rules.
There are strict rules about what can be shown on TV before the 9pm watershed. The watershed means the time when TV programmes which might be unsuitable for children can be broadcast.
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