X-Factor judge criticised for ‘offensive’ comment

The show judge used the word as she introduced her act – who went on to win last year’s contest – telling viewers: “I’m so proud, this is James effing Arthur.”

Ofcom, which received 52 complaints about the incident, said it considered the term to be an example of “offensive language” in the context of the show.

The body said a number of viewers considered it to have simply been used as a substitute for a swear word and “as a result it was capable of causing a certain amount of offence”.

Ofcom said the use of “effing” went beyond audience expectations for the show, which started at 8pm, and was not appropriate for a pre-watershed show which appealed to children.

ITV said it did not consider the use of the word to be offensive in the context of the programme. Programme-makers on the night had considered whether to broadcast an apology but concluded that it was less upsetting than the actual swear word.