ITV has been warned over Piers Morgan 's "combative presenting" after Good Morning Britain narrowly swerved a full Ofcom investigation.
The channel received a firm warning after Piers was accused of "mocking Chinese people" on air in January.
Although the regulator decided not to carry out a full investigation, an Ofcom spokesman said: "We remind ITV that there are compliance risks in relying on a 'combative dynamic' between presenters as a way to provide challenge and context for the broadcast of content which may cause offence.
"This approach can provide significant context, as in this case. However, depending on the particular circumstances, this may not always provide sufficient context to comply with the code."
Back in January, Piers was hit with more than 1,095 Ofcom complaints after he mocked the Chinese language live on Good Morning Britain.
The 54-year-old presenter had been discussing about the Queen's eldest grandson Peter Phillips appearing in a TV advert for state milk in China when he made the comments.
Discussing the ad with co-host Susanna Reid, he exclaimed: "Oh Peter, for god's sake man!"
After rewatching the advert again, Peter described Peter as looking like Bill Murray in the advert before slamming him for "exploiting" his royal status.
He added: "At the next royal event, can you imagine Christmas at Sandringham is like - 'I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I only drink yang yank yong ying ming milk."
A frustrated Susanna Reid sighed: "Piers."
As they aired the advert again, Piers said: "OK then - ching chang chong, OK, I got it."
Susanna reprimanded him: "For god's sake... taking the mick out of languages is rather 1970s."
ITV have since issued a statement, explaining that Piers was not intending to mock Chinese people, but that his comments were actually aimed at a member of the Royal family.
The broadcaster issued a statement on the incident, claiming that the comments were "not intended to mock or denigrate Chinese people, their language or accent" but "were intended to mock a member of the Royal Family".
Mirror Online has contacted Ofcom for comment.
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