Jon Snow has apologised for making a joke about the death of Alan Rickman in an interview with fellow actor Richard Wilson on Channel Four news.
The presenter asked Wilson, who was friends with Rickman and is best known for his portrayal of Victor Meldrew in One Foot in the Grave, whether news of the death inspired that character’s famous catchphrase “I don’t believe it”.
Reacting to criticism on Twitter, Snow said on Saturday the comment was a “mistake in the heat of a sad moment” and that he apologised unreservedly.
I apologise unreservedly it was a mistake in the heat of a sad moment https://t.co/3DnFGgOEPX
— Jon Snow (@jonsnowC4) January 16, 2016
On Thursday night’s programme, Snow asked his guest whether he knew Rickman was dying, to which the actor replied: “I did.”.
Snow then joked: “So it wasn’t a case of ‘I don’t believe it’ then?”.
Wilson did not appear to take offence at Snow’s quip, but some viewers reacted angrily. After Snow’s apology, however, there were numerous supportive responses on Twitter.
@jonsnowC4 you've enough credit in the bank, Jon. Don't worry about it!
— Niall O Ceallachain (@currysoc) January 16, 2016
@jonsnowC4 @leedsju I'm sure Alan Rickman didn't mind at all. He was probably laughing at it.
— Michael Hood (@mickthehood) January 16, 2016
Snow, 68, who has been the main presenter of Channel 4 news since 1989, is known for his colourful ties and socks and a willingness to participate in segments for the broadcaster’s annual Big Fat Quiz of the Year. In last month’s quiz he deadpanned the lyrics to the Drake hit Hotline Bling before going on to emulate the rapper’s unique dance style.
Wilson and Rickman worked together on stage in 1980 when the former directed the latter in a play called Commitments. Rickman, 69, had been seen on stage and screen for three decades, and won many new fans with his role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films.
The Harry Potter author, JK Rowling, led an outpouring of tributes to the late actor, saying she was shocked and devastated at his death from cancer. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Potter in the films, described Rickman as “one of the loyalest and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry”.
