A BBC news reporter has apologised after accidentally called UKIP leader Nigel Farage a "c..t" during a live broadcast.

Journalist Norman Smith made the mistake when describing suggestions that Mr Farage had turned the party into a "personality cult" but mispronounced the final word.

He swiftly corrected himself and continued his report as if the error was not made.

He later apologised to viewers.

A BBC spokesman said: "The nature of live broadcasting means that on-air stumbles occasionally happen and Norman immediately clarified he had meant to say 'cult'."

Three years ago BBC weatherman Alex Deakin was red-faced as he said: "It is simply a lovely winter's day tomorrow, buckets loads of c..t .... Sunshine across central and Eastern England."