What the f--- is that? BBC accidentally broadcasts swearing technician If you heard that this morning we do make an apology for that. Unfortunately people who presume that their microphone is closed may talk a little bit more freely than they should. So apologies if you were offended by that and we are just going to look into correcting that technical problem and make sure that it doesn't happen again. The BBC said a microphone had been left on outside the studio which picked up the four-letter word. A spokeswoman said: "During the programme this morning, we accidentally played out not-for-broadcast audio containing an audible swear word. The error was caused by a radio microphone inadvertently being left on outside our studio. Our presenters apologised on air as soon as the mistake was identified and we are reviewing our procedures accordingly. And it isn't the first time the show has been forced to apologise for broadcasting swear words. BBC Breakfast accidentally played an uncensored tape of actor Christian Bale letting out a torrent of abuse on set. Dame Helen Mirren has also used bad language on the programme.