BBC presenter forced to apologise after guest drops f-bomb during David Hockney tribute

A BBC presenter made an on-air apology after a guest accidentally swore on live TV during an interview about late artist David Hockney.

The granddaughter of David Hockney’s muse, Scarlett Clark, appeared on BBC News for a segment dedicated to the artist following the death of the acclaimed creative, aged 88, on Thursday, June 11.

After a discussion about his legacy, art and life, the presenter, Matthew Amroliwala, asked her: ‘What advice did he give to you?’

To which Scarlett responded: ‘I mean the same thing really. He said: “Enjoy and paint what you love and, yeah, just f**k everyone.’”

After a short laugh, she realised her faux pas and covered her mouth with a grimace, saying to viewers: ‘Sorry, oh my god.’

Matthew also stepped in, telling the audience: ‘Apologies for that,’ as Scarlett continued: ‘I’m so sorry’ as Matthew reassured her ‘it’s okay’ before moving the conversation along to his ‘sense of humour’.

As their conversation wrapped up, he once more addressed viewers, saying: ‘Again, apologies if you were offended by the language there in part of that interview with Scarlett Clark, but we’ll have much more on the career of David Hockney a little later’.

The whole situation amused and delighted viewers, especially as the art titan would have thoroughly enjoyed the slip-up.

‘Hilarious moment in memories of the great David Hockney – and I sense this entire BBC scene would have entertained him enormously….’simonmontefiore wrote on X.

‘A gloriously Hockneyesque moment……an f-ing fitting farewell,’ Nick Bryant shared.

‘The BBC there, living up to its core mission to inform, educate and entertain the public,’ grahamdubber said.

‘TV gold! David Hockney would’ve loved this,’ Lorna_TVeditor added.

‘Solid advice I’m taking. Cheers David,’ ZarinaHolmes echoed.

‘A delightful unscripted moment, which Hockney would have loved!’ simonbarrow agreed.

The BBC also got into a spot of bother yesterday when a broadcasting mistake declared ‘David Hockney resigns’ during the 1pm news bulletin instead of sharing the news of the death of one of the UK’s most influential artists.

Tributes poured in for Hockney, a major contributor to the pop art movement, after the news of his death was made public on Friday.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: ‘The Prime Minister is saddened to hear of the death of David Hockney, one of Britain’s most celebrated artists.

‘His vivid, instantly recognisable work influenced generations of artists, and the Prime Minister’s thoughts are with his friends and family.’

Meanwhile, director of Tate Britain, Alex Farquharson, said: ‘David was an endlessly inventive artist, with a unique vision of the world. He was always completely and courageously himself, both in his work and in life.

‘He taught us about the joy of looking, seeing things the rest of us failed to notice – his witty and sharp observations a constant presence within his work and in person.

‘The loss to the art world is immense. David’s passing brings to a close an extraordinary body of work characterised by reinvention.’

A statement confirming his death read: ‘The celebrated British artist David Hockney, one of the most important figures in contemporary art in both the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away peacefully at home on 11 June 2026, one month short of his 89th birthday.’

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