Jeremy Paxman apologises for using F-word on air during Newsnight

The 'Newsnight' presenter was admonished for claiming that Tony Blair based his justification for going to war on 'lies' when the Chilcot inquiry has yet to report back on the former prime minister's reasoning (bbc)

Veteran journalist Jeremy Paxman was forced to apologise after using a swear word during Newsnight.

The broadcaster read a direct quote from Andrew Rawnsley's book on the inner workings of New Labour which said: "(Gordon) Brown went berserk with Bob Shrum. 'How could you do this to me, Bob?' Brown screamed at a shaking Shrum. 'How could you f**king do this to me?"'

A few minutes later Paxman apologised to viewers for his colourful language.

He said: "Apparently I'm told by our editor I have to apologise for quoting what you said the Prime Minister said and using the f word there. So honour satisfied now."

Rawnsley's book caused political shockwaves with allegations of bullying behaviour by the Prime Minister.

A BBC spokesman said: "During a post watershed interview with Andrew Rawnsley Jeremy read a direct quote from his book which contained an expletive. He apologised immediately to anyone that may have found it offensive."