Ofcom received 51 complaints after the show was broadcast on 30 January. It contained more than 115 variations of the F-word in the first 40 minutes of the show. The swearing was by Ramsay and other participants in the show.
In its ruling the regulator said that although swearing was a trademark of Ramsay's style, the ‘sheer intensity' of the foul language in the show breached the broadcasting code's stipulation that ‘offensive content must be justified by context'.
It also said the frequency and nature of the most offensive language in the earlier parts of this programme and at the time it was broadcast ‘deviated seriously and significantly from previous editions'.
The complaints included viewers objecting to the ‘frequency and sustained nature of the use of the most offensive language', despite the programme being aired after the nine o'clock water shed.
Channel 4 said that Ramsay's repeated use of strong language is ‘within the expectations of the audience'. It added that the chef has ‘no time for niceties or gently persuading people to change their ways'.
No further action will be taken by Ofcom, but the ruling will be a black mark against Channel 4s record in event of further complaints against the broadcaster.
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