Irish police has launched an investigation into Stephen Fry after a viewer claimed comments made by the British comedian on a TV show were blasphemous.

Officers are understood to be examining whether the actor committed a criminal offence under the Defamation Act.

A blasphemy probe is under way into Stephen Fry. Credit:BBC

The Irish Independent reported that a member of the public made the complaint to police following a broadcast of The Meaning of Life, in February 2015.

On the show, Fry was asked what he would say if he met God outside the pearly gates. He responded: "I would say, 'Bone cancer in children? What's that about?'