Mariella Frostrup was left red-faced after she accidentally swore on air during a heated debate

Loose Women’s newest panellist Mariella Frostrup accidentally let P-word slip during a passionate rant, seemingly oblivious to the cameras that were still capturing every word.

Discussing whether it was appropriate to send Valentines Cards to colleagues on ITV’s Loose Women on Monday, alongside her co-panellists Brenda Edwards, Myleene Klass and host Christine Lampard, Mariella inadvertently let slip a swear word.

In full flow about her dislike for Valentine’s Day, she lamented how commercialisation has tarnished what she saw as a “sweet thing from the 17th century”. The British-Norwegian journalist compared it to other holidays such as Christmas and other traditions.

Mariella conveyed her frustration by exclaiming: “I just feel like it’s taken something that was quite a sweet thing in the 17th century and commercialised it within an inch of its life, like Christmas, like almost everything that I can possibly think of.”

When discussing the pressure from pervasive commercial influences, she added: “It’s just sad, you know I feel like people feel like they are under attack from the relentlessness of the commercial world.”

Mariella was forced to apologies on-air

However, the air turned blue when she let out: “I would be really p***ed off,” prompting immediate gasps and shrieks from both the audience and her co-stars. Brenda appeared gobsmacked, her hand flying to her mouth in shock, while Myleene’s reaction mimicked disbelief, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Quick to realise her mistake, Mariella backtracked with an apology, adding: “I am so sorry if I offended anyone with the P-word.”

Brenda could not withhold her gasps

The host expressed relief to Mariella by stating: “I’m glad you said it.” This prompted Mariella to respond with a touch of concern: “I hope I haven’t shocked the nation.” Christine Lampard, wife of football ace Frank Lampard, playfully retorted: “They were shocked.”

Mariella immediately offered up her apologies

In an attempt to wrap up the awkward segment and shift the mood, Mariella continued with what she’d been trying to get across before the red faced moment happened. She added with a smile: “If someone gave my husband that card I would be pretty annoyed.”

The audience and her fellow panellists seemed to take the blunder in stride, as they joined in with a comforting laugh to reassure that all was now forgiven.