ITV News has apologised for using footage of TV chef Ainsley Harriott in a segment about comedian Lenny Henry receiving a knighthood.

The footage of the celebrity chef was shown between an interview with Henry and a clip of the comedian in one of his roles.

It is understood that ITV News has been in touch with representatives of both Henry and Hariott to apologise.

ITV has since removed the clip from the report on its +1 channel, instead displaying an error.

Sir Lenny was talking about diversity in British TV when the interview was interrupted by a clip footage of Harriott performing on stage at the Comedy Store.

The clip had Harriott cavorting on stage in a similar manner to Henry when he did his impression of the TV botanist David Bellamy on the cult children's TV show Tiswas and BBC comedy show Three of a Kind.

Lenny Henry as David Bellamy

Viewers have made complaints about the error and it is understood that ITV News has been in touch with representatives of both Henry and Hariott to apologise.

An ITV spokesperson said: “ITV News apologises for the error broadcast in the lunchtime news package today regarding Sir Lenny Henry’s knighthood at the palace. This was the result of an error in the production process in a piece intended to celebrate Sir Lenny’s significant achievements in British entertainment.”

Lenny Henry as David Bellamy

After receiving his medal, the comedian said: "I'm absolutely honoured to be here, it's wonderful."

He said the build-up to the ceremony was "exhausting" but the event itself "was mind-blowing".

Henry was knighted for services to charity and drama and dedicated the honour to anyone who had taken part in Comic Relief.

@rob_nason I needed a laugh to lighten up the afternoon - Ainsley Harriott / Lenny Henry scandal - has made it for me #lennyhenry — Jonathan Nason (@quayprman) December 4, 2015

The Lenny Henry/Ainsley Harriott gaffe by ITV is understandable. All Knighthood's look the same. — Paul Lamb (@Lambykins60) December 4, 2015

I think the weirdest thing about the @LennyHenry ITV debacle is the revelation that Ainsley Harriott ever played the Comedy Store. — Will Dron (@wdron) December 4, 2015

Gwapple me Gwapenuts: When Lenny Henry spoofed the TV botanist David Bellamy on the cult 70s children's TV show Tiswas.