Chef Ramsay rapped for swearing

Gordon Ramsay is known for his volatile temper

Television chef Gordon Ramsay has been rapped by watchdogs for swearing on reality show Hell's Kitchen.

Media regulator Ofcom said using a strong swear word in conjunction with "Jesus" breached guidelines.

ITV apologised and said the phrase - which attracted more than 100 complaints - was broadcast by mistake.

Ofcom said: "Research indicates that the combination of strong swearing coupled directly with holy names is found highly offensive by believers."

"Like the broadcaster, we believe that the combination of a holy name and a strong expletive could not be justified in this context."

Warning

Viewers also complained about Ramsay's treatment of the trainee chefs on the show, with some saying it endorsed bullying.

But Ofcom said audiences knew what to expect when they tuned in and that the programme was preceded by a warning about bad language.

Ofcom said: "The swearing in the early parts of each ITV1 programme was bleeped.

"This had the effect of gradually exposing the viewer to the kind of language warned about in the pre-programme announcement.

"Similarly, Gordon Ramsay's language and robust management style were well known from his previous performances and off-screen media coverage."

Five viewers complained about the episode where the trainees had to kill a lobster.

But Ofcom ruled: "The killing of the lobster was part and parcel of restaurant life, and we consider that it was not unreasonable to show it."