Ruth Langsford had to step in while Succession star Brian Cox was being interviewed on Loose Women on Monday.

Loose Women star Ruth Langsford issued a stern warning to a guest live on-air.

Succession star Brian Cox and his wife Nicole Ansari-Cox appeared on the ITV daytime show on Monday (February 17) to discuss their marriage and joint acting ventures.

During the interview, the couple spoke about their critically acclaimed play, The Score, with talk soon turning to US President Donald Trump.

Directed by Trevor Nunn from a script by Oliver Cotton, the play tells the story of one of Europe’s most tyrannical leaders, who summons one of the world’s greatest composers.

The production was first staged at Theatre Royal Bath in 2023, before its transfer to London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket later this month.

Brian Cox and Nicole Ansari-Cox appeared on Loose Women on Monday (February 17)

On the show’s importance to society today, Brian said on Loose Women: “It’s even more resonant now than when we did it over a year ago, because of what’s happening in Ukraine, what’s happening with that idiot in New York, in Washington,” before branding Trump a “dumbass”.

“Daytime show, just saying,” Ruth interjected, as Brian continued: “I did The Last Leg and I can’t repeat what I said… I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“No, please don’t,” Ruth then urged. Brian also spoke about feeling anxious for his sons living in the US, following Trump’s inauguration last month.

“The difficulty is, we do worry about our sons in that situation, because it’s hell, it’s not good. It really isn’t good what’s been happening. The crap that that man comes out with is unbelievable,” he explained.

Brian continued: “It’s just that he is so,” before quickly noting that he “mustn’t say the word.”

“Thank you very much, Brian and Nicole,” Ruth later said, wrapping up the chat, before issuing a sincere apology: “And yes, we apologise for any of the fruity language, possibly, if anyone was offended.”

However, the show’s viewers were more up in arms about the “awkward” nature of the interview, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share their frustration.

“Who is this awkward man,” one person wrote, while another added: “The ladies desperately trying to save this interview.”

A third said: “This is an awkward interview,” with another similarly sharing: “Ruth’s job as anchor is keep this interview on it’s toes, her childish silence is making things very awkward here.”