BBC newsreader in 'racist' jibe

BBC newsreader Chris Eakin has apologised to his co-worker George Alagiah after comparing him to a chimpanzee on air.

Eakin made the reference during a handover to the senior anchorman on digital channel News 24.

The Mirror reports that after reviewing a story about a chimpanzee in a zoo, he asked: "Can you see any likeness?"

Last night, the BBC said of the incident: "It was an inappropriate remark that shouldn't have been made. BBC News apologises for any offence that may have been caused."

Eakin insists it was not a racist remark, but merely a joke. "It was a light-hearted comment with absolutely no other intended overtones and I know that George did not interpret it as anything other than that.

"George and I are old friends and I would be horrified if anyone has interpreted this in any other way and I regret if I have unintentionally caused any offence."