BBC presenter issues apology after making Rugby World Cup blunder live on air
BBC presenter Roman Kemp has apologised for his Rugby World Cup mistake
BBC
BBC presenter Roman Kemp had to apologise after mistakenly describing actor James Nesbitt as a 'proud Scotsman' prior to Ireland's Rugby World Cup win over Scotland on Saturday.
Nesbitt had taken part in a fundraising cycle from Scotland to France, where the tournament is being played.
Speaking on The One Show, Kemp addressed Nesbitt on Friday by saying: “So you’re in France for the Rugby World Cup.
“There’s a crucial match tomorrow — Scotland and Ireland.
James Nesbitt was wrongly described as a 'proud Scotsman' live on air
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"Obviously both teams hoping to make the quarter-finals.
"James, you’re a proud Scotsman, I mean will you be watching the match...”
Nesbitt then interrupted the presenter and said 'I'm Irish', while Ally McCoist and Kenny Logan laughing.
Another actor, Luke Evans, stuck the knife in by saying: “He’s Irish! Don’t get that wrong please!”
And co-host of the show, Alex Jones, added: “He’s Irish!”
Kemp then attempted to save face and issued an apology, adding: “Let me rephrase that. It’s Friday night. It’s very late. Sorry.
"James, as a proud Irishman, will you be watching the match together?”
Nesbitt responded by saying: "Of course. We're going."
And the 58-year-old later expressed a belief that Ireland would win the whole tournament for the first time in their history.
“What defines teams is those who buckle under pressure and those that soak it up and love it," he said.
“Ireland can play like a team of mad giraffes and they’ll still win this game.
“Ireland are ready to prove it.
"I don’t think they are feeling undermined by the pressure [to progress], I think they want to bring on the pressure.
"This is the year when finally Ireland are actually just better, they know that they’re better and actually can play better and win.
"That’s surely what defines winners and losers, and I think it’s our year.”
Ireland were too strong for Scotland on Saturday.
They won 36-14 in France to make it four wins from four at the competition so far.
Ireland have now come top of a group also consisting of South Africa, Scotland, Tonga and Romania.
And they'll now go up against New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the tournament on Saturday (8pm).
The All Blacks lost their opening match to hosts France.
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Ireland were too strong for Scotland in Saturday's Rugby World Cup showdown
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They have, however, since responded by beating Italy, Uruguay and Namibia.
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