Burns is known for his colourful personality

Burns was a guest on Wednesday night's live show, which airs at 2000 GMT on the network aimed at 25-34 year olds.

The show's presenters apologised as the flamboyant Dead or Alive singer used the F-word when asked to comment on the Michael Jackson legal case.

A BBC spokesman apologised for any offence caused.

"We're disappointed that he used that language," he said.

"The presenters apologised profusely throughout the programme, and in the context of a live programme there's not much more they could do.

Single complaint

"We've had Pete on the show two or three times before, and it was a complete surprise that this happened."

The BBC received a single complaint from a viewer.

Burns used another, milder four-letter word and made two references to sexual acts during comments on news items aired throughout the half-hour show.

Presenters Paddy O'Connell and Claudia Winkleman apologised several times. "Calm yourself," O'Connell urged him at one point, while Winkleman said: "I am now going to cry."

Burns, 44, who is known for his outspoken nature and colourful cross-dressing style, shot to fame with Dead or Alive's 1984 number one hit, You Spin Me Round (Like A Record).

Liquid News, BBC Three's flagship entertainment show, is being taken off air in April next year in a move to "refresh" the digital channel.

In May, pop group S Club stormed off the show after being asked about the amount of money they had made.