A BBC presenter was forced to apologise on-air after a guest accidentally dropped an expletive during a live interview about the late artist David Hockney. The incident occurred during a BBC News segment dedicated to Hockney, who passed away at the age of 88 on June 11, 2026.
Guest's Slip-Up
Scarlett Clark, the granddaughter of one of Hockney's muses, appeared on the programme to discuss the artist's legacy. As the conversation unfolded, presenter Matthew Amroliwala asked her: 'What advice did he give to you?' Scarlett replied: 'I mean the same thing really. He said: "Enjoy and paint what you love and, yeah, just f**k everyone."'
Realising her mistake, she covered her mouth and grimaced, apologising to viewers. Matthew quickly interjected: 'Apologies for that,' while Scarlett continued to express her remorse. He reassured her before moving on, and later addressed the audience again, 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.'
Viewer Reactions
The blunder delighted many viewers, who felt Hockney himself would have appreciated the moment. Social media users shared their amusement, with one writing: 'Hilarious moment in memories of the great David Hockney – and I sense this entire BBC scene would have entertained him enormously.' Another commented: 'A gloriously Hockneyesque moment……an f-ing fitting farewell.' Others praised the BBC for its handling of the situation, noting it fulfilled its mission to inform, educate, and entertain.
BBC's Earlier Blunder
The incident came a day after the BBC made another error, mistakenly announcing 'David Hockney resigns' during the 1pm news bulletin instead of reporting his death. Tributes have poured in from across the world, including from the Prime Minister and the director of Tate Britain, who praised Hockney's immense contribution to art.
A statement confirmed that Hockney passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2026, just one month before his 89th birthday. The artist, a key figure in the pop art movement, leaves behind a legacy of vibrant, innovative work that continues to inspire.
