Barrowman sorry for show 'exposure'

5:21pm Monday 1st December 2008

Actor John Barrowman has apologised for exposing himself on a live radio show.

The star of Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood performed the act during an interview on the Switch programme on Radio 1 on Sunday evening, prompting Corporation bosses to issue an official apology.

Though only one complaint was received about the incident, a BBC spokeswoman said the show had "overstepped the mark". Barrowman issued his own apology for any offence his behaviour had caused.

The West End actor, whose early TV career was as a children's presenter on Live And Kicking, said the "light-hearted" banter went too far - and promised it would never happen again.

He said: "I apologise for any offence I have caused. I was joining in the light-hearted and fun banter of the show and went too far. I was wrong to do this and it will never happen again.

"I really appreciate the great support I have received from the BBC over the last few years and would never intentionally do anything to undermine the integrity of the Corporation."

During Sunday's show, presented by Nick Grimshaw and Annie Mac, Grimshaw asked Barrowman: "You're famous, we're told for getting your willy out in interviews. Is this going to happen today?"

Barrowman responded by saying he was going to "get it out", amid shouting and laughter. He was later heard to say: "I didn't take the whole thing out, but I got my fruit and nuts out."

Annie Mac apologised on air at the end of the programme for any offence the incident may have caused.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "We do feel that the programme overstepped the mark. We acknowledge this and apologised at the end of the live programme."