Jeff Brazier ‘scolded by ITV bosses for snapping at Ruth Langsford’

ITV star Jeff Brazier has reportedly been given a scolding from bosses behind the scenes of Loose Women, after snapping at Ruth Langsford live on air this week. 

On Monday, Jeff, 46, took to screens to announce the details of the new Christmas competition, which will see one lucky winner take home £120,000. 

The presenter was on hand to reveal that alongside the money, the winner would take home a new Range Rover and a VW camper van, as well as £16,000 of luxury goods.

But he left viewers in shock after he made an ‘awkward and unprofessional’ swipe at panellist Ruth, 65, just moments after complimenting her look on the show, telling her she was ‘taking up his time’ on air. 

Now, show insiders have revealed that while Ruth did not want to make a complaint about the comment, Brazier was given a talking to about the on-screen incident.

A Loose Women insider told The Sun: ‘Jeff’s cross words came out of nowhere and really took Ruth aback.

‘He was spoken to by bosses who understand he’s dealing with a lot of stress at the moment, but warned there’s no excuse for taking it out on Ruth.’

The source added that Jeff was suggested to take some time away from the show, according to the publication, given he’s only recently announced the breakdown of his marriage. 

They continued that ‘eyebrows were raised’ by Jeff’s comments, and explained bosses ‘praised’ Ruth for being ‘professional’ despite being ‘caught off guard’. 

‘She was able to brush it off despite Jeff obviously being very, very rude,’ the insider concluded. ‘It was really not on.’

The Daily Mail have approached ITV for comment.  

On Monday, things took an awkward turn when Ruth’s fellow Loose Women panellists, Janet Street-Porter, Brenda Edwards and Jane Moore, began speaking over Jeff’s segment after he complimented the panellist’s outfit. 

‘I’m doing my comp bit, guys, let me carry on!’ he was heard hitting out at them all, later adding: ‘I’m sorry, Ruth, when I give compliments I don’t want it to end my competition time. 

‘So next time, if I say a nice compliment, don’t say anything back just say “Cheers Jeff!” and that’ll do me.’

Shocked by Jeff’s response, Ruth replied with an awkward smile at the camera: ‘Listen, whatever! Your wish is my command Jeffrey! Thank you very much!’

Fans were quick to take to X, formerly Twitter, to discuss the exchange, with one writing: ‘Jeff, who’s rattled your cage? Not very professional!’

Another added: ‘Well that was an awkward moment Jeff,’ as a third penned: ‘Um… slightly awkward moment today thanks to Jeff Brazier telling Ruth Langsford off for *checks notes* replying incorrectly to a compliment. Is he okay?’

It’s a fresh blow for Brazier, who was spotted for the first time this week since he confirmed his split from wife of seven years, Kate.

The TV presenter appeared to be keeping busy with work in the wake of the split, filming in Iceland for ITV last week.

Last Thursday morning, Brazier was spotted at Heathrow airport, looking pensive as he wheeled his luggage through arrivals.

He appeared to be without his wedding ring, after previously appearing on TV without the band this week.  

In a statement released on Tuesday, Brazier revealed his marriage to Kate broke down over the summer after they discovered they couldn’t make each other happy.

Just 24 hours later, he was back on screen and live on GMB, broadcasting from Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon.

Brazier made reference to the difficult year he and Kate faced due to fractured relations with his son Freddy, 21, in his lengthy statement.

In a caption posted alongside a throwback photo from a family holiday, he told fans: ‘I’m so full of love and gratitude for Kate. For all we achieved, for how much we grew, for everything we endured.’

He added: ‘We separated in the summer and kept it private for as long as we could to give us some time to adjust.

‘For 12 years we have been each others safe space, each others biggest supporters at a time when our lives have been busy, painful & complex.

‘I’m so proud of how hard we worked, how we kept showing up, we gave everything and more.

‘I’m also so full of respect and admiration for the successful career Kate has built and the way she cared for me unconditionally.’

Brazier said Kate is still in touch to check in on how his sons are doing, as Freddy prepares to welcome his first child.

Loose Women airs weekdays from 12:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.