Sky News presenter Mark Longhurst accidentally calls Health Secretary 'Jeremy C***' live on air

The accidental slip on the Conservative politician's name happened as he reviewed today's papers

(Getty Images)

A Sky News presenter accidentally swore live on air when he became tongue-tied saying Jeremy Hunt’s name, much to the amusement of Ricky Gervais.

The comedian and actor filmed the moment when Mark Longhurst called the Health Secretary “Jeremy C***”, writing on Twitter: “This just happened on Sky News”.

A short video showing Gervais’ deadpan reaction as he re-played the slip has since been shared more than 4,000 times.

Mr Longhurst had been reviewing today’s papers when he looked at the front page story on The Times, saying foreign citizens could be made to pay to visit NHS accident and emergency departments “under plans to be introduced by the Health Secretary Jeremy C***, Hunt”.

The journalist of more than 30 years swiftly corrected his mistake, but not before thousands of viewers noticed the slip shortly after 11.30pm.

Piers Morgan was among those who commented, writing on Twitter: “He was right the first time.”

Critics of Mr Hunt’s policies jokingly commended the “Freudian slip”, with one writing: “I always liked Mark Longhurst but now he’s a legend.”

Jim Naughtie, the veteran presenter of Radio 4’s Today Programme, made the same mistake in 2010.