BBC censured over star's swearing

Curtis was in the UK promoting his memoirs

An interview with actor Tony Curtis has landed BBC Radio Ulster a rebuke from media watchdog Ofcom, after he peppered his conversation with swear words.

The Hollywood star was speaking on the Talkback programme in May, which is broadcast at lunchtime.

The BBC said Curtis thought the show was being pre-recorded, and said sorry on air when he realised his mistake.

But Ofcom said his language "exceeded generally accepted standards", adding that guests should be properly briefed.

The broadcaster, which received two complaints from listeners, later issued a public apology.

Nude models

Ofcom said that, despite the apologies, the use of specific profanities were "likely to have gone beyond the expectations of the audience for a programme of this type and at this time".

Virgin 1 was also found in breach of broadcasting regulations for screening an 18-rated episode of The X Files before the watershed.

The story showed someone undergoing an exorcism and struggling to the extent their neck bones made cracking noises.

Ofcom reminded Virgin 1 - and all other broadcasters - of the need to "appropriately schedule" adult content, and check it prior to transmission irrespective of when it was originally rated.

Virgin said the episode gained its 18 certificate upon video release in 1997, but the channel would "never intentionally broadcast programming we feel would cause harm or distress to our viewers".

Meanwhile, a Channel 4 lunchtime programme which showed nude models did not break any rules, Ofcom ruled.

Life Class: Today's Nude, in which an artist showed the process of drawing the naked human form, had prompted 37 complaints.