The BBC has apologised after Jim Naughtie turned the airwaves blue on Radio 4 when he crashed the pips by swearing.

On the final beep the presenter was heard to whisper “Sh**” before launching into the news headlines on the flagship Today programme.

Nick Robinson, who began his new role on the show's presenting team today, tweeted a few minutes later: “Looks like being one of those days on @BBCr4today!”

It is not the first time Naughtie has let an expletive slip on the early-morning programme.

The presenter apologised in 2010 for an embarrassing verbal trip up over the name of cabinet minister Jeremy Hunt, replacing the first letter of his surname with a “C”. The on-air stumble sent the broadcaster into a coughing fit, and attracted a slew of e-mails from listeners who were either amused or angry.

Naughtie proceeded to interview Mr Hunt without incident, but later issued several apologies for his “Spoonerism”.