A BBC reporter appeared to make a four-letter blunder while discussing Ukip live on air.
Norman Smith was reporting on claims made by party campaign director Patrick O’Flynn against Ukip leader Nigel Farage after he backed down on his plans to resign.
Mr O’Flynn had suggested the Eurosceptic party look like a “personality cult”.
But when Mr Smith came to reading out the statement he stumbled over his words somewhat.
He immediately corrects himself and appears to look horrified after realising the mistake.
Many social media users were quick to notice the gaffe and have pondered if he intended to turn the air blue.
Vanessa Furey wrote: “Whoops, @BBCNormanS accidentally mispronounces the word ‘cult’ when talking live on TV about Nigel Farage.”
Dave Howarth tweeted: “Oh poor poor poor @BBCNormanS must be every broadcaster’s nightmare.”
Another user wrote: “Ha! Is that what Norman Smith thinks? On the top of his tongue.”
The slip-up draws comparisons with an error made by radio presenter James Naughtie after he accidentally pronounced Jeremy Hunt’s surname while on The Today show.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “The nature of live broadcasting means that on-air stumbles occasionally happen and Norman immediately clarified he had meant to say cult.”
