BBC apologises for 'accidentally' promoting Brut aftershave

The BBC has had to apologise after their Today programme promoted Brut aftershave.

Listeners complained after it appeared the state-owned broadcaster was advertising the product on the Radio 4 show.

The show caused controversy when it seemed to plug the aftershave while wrapping up an interview with cricketer Jimmy Anderson.

Sports presenter Garry Richardson told listeners: "Jimmy Anderson, who was speaking to us in conjunction with Brut aftershave, who he is an ambassador for."

A spokeswoman for the BBC said: "This was a mistake. It should not have happened.

"We apologise and the programme's sport production team is being reminded of the editorial guidelines on product prominence."

Listeners expressed how unimpressed they were by the apparent product placement.

One listener asked: "Was that just an advertisement for Brut aftershave on BBC R4 Today?!"

Another fumed: "Advertising Brut to get an interview with a cricketer. Rubbish. R4 Today NO. Get someone else. No ads on the BBC."

One asked what Theresa May could advertise on Radio 4: "Jimmy Anderson in conjunction with Brut! What next BBC R4 Today? Theresa May brought to you in conjunction with Toilet Duck."

And another said: "Why did the Radio 4 Today Programme run an advert for Brut aftershave?"

This isn't the first time a Radio 4 show has been in hot water for accidentally advertising. 

On last year's Desert Island Discs, Michael Buble chose a Rolex watch as his luxury item.

However, he fronts the brand.

Buble's connection to the watchmaker, as brand ambassador, was mentioned during the recording of the show, but edited out of the final broadcast.

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