Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq compared Brexit to “chopping people’s heads off” during a heated debate on the Jeremy Vine show.

Things took an unexpected turn when the TV star appeared on the Channel 5 programme to discuss whether Britain should leave the EU on 31 October even if no deal has been agreed.

Viewers at home branded the conversation on Monday as “ugly and uncomfortable to watch”, while some accused Huq of "screeching" at fellow panel guest Mike Parry who disagreed with her stance.

Addressing him, Huq said: “Mike, would you want Brexit to happen now if suddenly the new term was that everybody's head gets chopped off?!”

Parry responded with a “no”, before being interrupted by Huq who asked: “But why? People voted for it. Why are you changing the goalposts? I'm saying you can leave the EU you just have to have your head chopped off. Do you not understand?

Parry reeplied: “I'm sorry that's a nonsensical question.”

Continuing, Huq, who is married to Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker, added: “I'm sorry how is that any different? It's a term and condition. You have your head chopped off - we leave.”

Interjecting, host Jeremy Vine joked: “This is so far from Blue Peter it's brilliant."

After the show, Parry tweeted: “Feel like I've been run over by a Remainer steam-roller", while Huq tweeted a selfie with him and fellow guest Yasmin Aibhai-Brown, writing in the caption: “Look!! We are all best friends really! Lively debate is good for our democracy.”

However, viewers at home were not as forgiving, with one commenting: “That wasn’t lively debate. It was bullying. Ugly and uncomfortable to watch.

Another added: “Konnie and yas already lost the argument screeching like banshees...” [sic]

“Can someone tell Konnie to pipe down .. I can't even hear what she is saying its just one long noise .. This is really awkward to watch .. CALM DOWN KONNIE ,” a third tweeted.

One viewer wrote: 'Why on earth would Konnie use that "chopping off heads" comparison?! By all means be passionate about your opinion, but show a little control and decorum! Did she forget she was on the TV?!'