Jeremy Vine was left lost for words after a caller told him he was a 'c***' live on air during a Valentine's Day debate phone in on Friday morning.

The TV presenter, 54, appeared stunned and was forced to apologise for the use of foul language after the first time caller used the expletive during his call.

The caller - who was supposedly Tim from Lancashire - used the c-word when Jeremy told him he should possibly treat his partner better.

Shock: Jeremy Vine was left lost for words after a caller told him he was a 'c***' live on air during a Valentine's Day debate phone in on Friday morning

Jeremy introduced him, saying: 'Oh Tim. You've done something else haven't you, Tim? A big present or something?'

But he replied: 'We've been married 28 years but never bought each other Valentine's Day cards - and you're a c***.'

The host appeared momentarily stunned while their were audible gasps from the audience could be heard with one person crying out 'oh no'.

However he soon jumped in and said: 'I must apologise for the language used by that caller. By the way as he started talking, I thought, "This guy's not for real."

Confused: The TV presenter, 54, appeared stunned and was forced to apologise for the use of foul language after the first time caller used the expletive during his call

'Really sorry for that. We do everything we possibly can to avoid any bad language on the programme. We know it offends some viewers. It's darn right rude to everyone when a caller can't control their language.'

Viewers watching at home took to Twitter to comment on the use of vile language, with one concluding that it was unnecessary.

They said: 'Some's just phoned in Jeremy Vine show and called him a c*** live on air! Just no need.'

Someone replied to the tweet saying they'd heard the same thing, with the Twitter user responding by saying: 'What's wrong with people these days, no need for it.'

Hitting out: The caller - who was supposedly Tim from Lancashire - used the c-word when Jeremy told him he should possibly treat his partner better

Jeremy introduced him, saying: 'Oh Tim. You've done something else haven't you, Tim? A big present or something?'

Another person wrote: '#JeremyVine You had an expletive murder on your show about an hour ago.'

A third person said: 'Jeremy Vine is a... #JeremyVine disagree all you want, but to use this language makes you look stupid.

Another person suggested that they are vetted thoroughly enough, and said: They should check the callers on Jeremy Vine Show a little better...'