Simon Rimmer, the co-host of Sunday Brunch, was forced to apologise after feeding vegan comedian Jon Richardson a dish containing ghee.
Chef Asma Khan cooked the show’s guests Massor dhal, a dish which includes fried prawns. Rimmer served Richardson a portion without the prawns knowing he was vegan.
However, the dhal had been mixed with the other ingredients and Richardson shuffled off to the side when the plates were brought over.
Acknowledging his concern, Rimmer said: “The dhal is vegan, Jon. Obviously the prawns aren’t.”
Richardson took and ate a small spoonful of the dish.
After the break, though, Rimmer issued an apology to Richardson.
“Earlier on in the previous cooking item, I may have informed guests that the dhal was in fact vegan. It was, of course, ghee used in the recipe, which isn’t vegan.
“I allowed Jon Richardson, who is indeed a vegan, to eat some of it. On behalf of myself and the Sunday Brunch team, I would like to sincerely apologise and hope I haven’t offended you and spoiled your life.”
Richardson, who appeared on the show with his wife Lucy Beaumont, replied: “When I’m sick during my interview, you can take responsibility for that. But it was delicious – and it could be vegan.”
