National treasure Brian Blessed turned the air blue on daytime TV when he gave Covid-19 its marching orders.
But it meant ITV had to immediately issue an apology after the former Z Cars star's outburst.
The 83-year-old was being interviewed on Lorraine about the 40th anniversary re-release of the cult sci-fi film Flash Gordon, in which he played a leading role as Prince Vultan.
But the interview with Christine Lampard - who is filling in for Lorraine this summer - took an unpredictable turn when Brian went off-subject.
The larger-than-life actor said: "This COVID virus, I really want to say one swear word - b****r off!
"We will beat it, it will go away, I believe in the human spirit and we are showing immense courage in this country, down to the NHS."
Christine then followed his little outburst with: "It has been the most extraordinary time, I'm sure some of us would use even a stronger word than that.
"But obviously we can't and we will apologise for any bad language."
Brian, who appeared via video link from his Surrey home, himself then apologised but Christine told him "not to worry" as "we're all feeling it".
Then, in a further twist to the interview, Christine asked Brian about Grampy Rabbit, the Peppa Pig character he has voiced since 2004.
When she explained that it is her almost two-year-old daughter Patricia's favourite, he then asked if she was watching and became the character just for her.
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Brian's typically ebullient performance led to him trending on social media, with viewers saying it was "wonderful" and just what the country needed.
"The day I can bottle half the energy that Brian Blessed has on a normal day.... I swear my whole life would change for the better," said one.
"Brian Blessed just told the Covid virus to 'b***r off' on #Lorraine lol, and now he's being Grampy Rabbit lol, love him," said another.
"We all need a bit of Brian Blessed being Brian Blessed this morning," added a third.
"Brian Blessed is a national treasure. 83 years old and full of life. Love the man," another said.
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV.
