Gordon RamsayGordon Ramsay has been forced to backtrack after insulting an Australian TV presenter.

 The 42-year-old chef branded Tracy Grimshaw an "ugly old pig" in front of a live audience of 3,000 people at a cooking show in Melbourne.

It's understood he made the comments following a hostile interview with the popular show host, who is described as the Aussie equivalent of Fern Britton.

Gordon reportedly held up a doctored picture of a woman on her hands and knees posing as a pig, saying: "That's Tracy Grimshaw. I had an interview with her yesterday - she needs to see Simon Cowell's Botox doctor."

Tracy lashed out at the jibe, lambasting Gordon as an "arrogant narcissist" on her own show later.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd also weighed in on the furore, describing Gordon's remarks as "off and offensive" and "a new form of lowlife".

A spokesperson for Gordon has now issued an apology, in a statement that reads: "Gordon was giving a live cooking demonstration at the Australian BBC Good Food Show last weekend in front of a large and boisterous audience.

"His comments relating to Tracy Grimshaw, who had interviewed Gordon the previous evening, were off the cuff and in response to heckling from the audience.

"His intention was to make a joke and indeed he did raise a big laugh at the time.

"However, with hindsight he realises that his comments were inappropriate and offensive to Tracy Grimshaw, and he has unreservedly apologised both to her and anybody else who may have been upset."