JEFF Brazier got a dressing down from ITV bosses for lashing out at Ruth Langsford live on Loose Women.
The TV presenter’s outburst stunned viewers as he scolded Ruth for “eating up his air time”.
Insiders said seasoned professional Ruth was not planning to make a formal complaint, but that Jeff was spoken to about the incident.
A source told The Sun: “Jeff’s cross words came out of nowhere and really took Ruth aback.
“He was spoken to by bosses who understand he’s dealing with a lot of stress at the moment, but warned there’s no excuse for taking it out on Ruth.”
ITV bods suggested Jeff take some time off following the clash, which came in the same week he announced his marriage breakdown.
READ MORE ON JEFF BRAZIER
But he pushed on and returned to work the next day – presenting six live links from Somerset House.
Meanwhile back at Loose Women HQ, Ruth was replaced by Christine Lampard who took over presenting duties on Tuesday afternoon.
“It was lucky Ruth wasn’t down to work again when Jeff was, it gives them both some time to cool off.
“Bosses praised Ruth saying how well she coped with it on live TV. She’s a professional who knows how to handle things when caught off guard and under pressure. That’s why she won’t fall victim to the cuts facing ITV’s daytime shows.
“She was able to brush it off despite Jeff obviously being very, very rude.
“Eyebrows were raised at ITV though, with those behind the scenes thinking that perhaps Jeff should take some time off because it was really not on.”
Jeff’s outburst came moments after complimenting Ruth’s outfit as he hosted ITV‘s Win Grotto competition to win £120,000.
“You look really gorgeous today,” said Jeff, who then snapped when Ruth spoke over him.
He raged: “I’m doing my comp bit guys, let me just carry on.”
Handing back to the studio, he then sternly told her: “I’m really sorry, Ruth, when I give compliments I don’t want it to eat into my competition time.
“So next time, if I say a nice compliment, don’t say anything back.
“Just say ‘cheers Jeffrey’ and that’ll do me.”
Ruth looked horrified by his demand, telling him: “Listen, whatever” as she held her hands up in the air.
Taken aback, the seasoned presenter then slapped on a smile and added: “Your wish is my command, Jeffrey. Thank you very much.”
The exchange comes after Ruth famously made an official complaint against Phillip Schofield after he rudely interrupted her during a live TV crossover from This Morning to Loose Women in April 2019.
Jeff – who has been hosting ITV competitions on and off since 2006 last week – recently announced the end of his seven-year marriage to PR exec Kate Dwyer.
In a further blow this weekend, his son Freddy, 21, with Jade Goody was accused of holding a 3am drugs party with girls at his pregnant girlfriend’s home while she was away.
The Sun has contacted ITV for comment.
