The BBC has issued an apology for Rebel Wilson’s ‘offensive’ BAFTA jokes, which prompted complaints from viewers.

The Australian actress hosted the awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, during which Rebel raised eyebrows with her outlandish comments and X-rated jokes – some of which were cut from the broadcast.

And now following the event, the broadcaster has released a statement commenting that ‘We never intended to offend viewers’ after fans complained about Rebel’s jokes, saying Her satire takes aim at the likes of Harry and Meghan, Daniel Craig and Benedict Cumberbatch.

A statement on the BBC complaints website read: ‘Comedy is one of the most subjective areas of programming and views will always differ on what’s acceptable, and what’s appropriate at different times of the day.

‘It’s never our intention to offend viewers and we always think very carefully about what we broadcast to ensure that it isn’t outside of the expectations of the majority of the audience.

‘We acknowledge that not everyone will agree with the decisions we take but this is something we do take seriously.’

It comes after Rebel’s most shocking gags were cut from the show, with a joke about how she wanted to ‘sit on’ James Bond actor Daniel Craig was deemed too crude for broadcast.

Only members of the audience heard the the racy joke, reported The Sun, with the moment not televised.

The Bridesmaids star set up the gag by showing off a badly drawn fake ‘tattoo’ on her leg.

The drawing bore a slight likeness to Craig, and was next to the number ‘007’.

Oh no: The broadcaster has issued a statement remarking that ‘It’s never our intention to offend viewers’ after fans complained about Rebel’s jokes, with her quips taking aim at the likes of Harry and Meghan, Daniel Craig (pictured) and Benedict Cumberbatch

‘It looks like the word LOO – but I know which I would rather sit on,’ quipped Wilson.

She also reportedly made a joke about The Power of the Dog star Benedict Cumberbatch that didn’t make it to air either.

Wilson also addressed her 5.5 stone (35kg) weight loss as she hosted Sunday’s awards.

The Sydney-born entertainer told the star-studded audience she had undergone ‘quite the transformation’ over the last two years as a photo of her from the BAFTAs in 2020 appeared on screen.

Naughty: A joke about how she wanted to ‘sit on’ James Bond actor Daniel Craig was deemed too crude for broadcast, and the BBC cut it out before the ceremony was televised