Charlotte Church got apology from BBC after outrage over sex life comment

Celebrity Traitors is back, with the BBC spin-off series already a hit amongst viewers. One contestant who appears safe from banishment for now is singer, presenter and activist Charlotte Church, who has thrilled viewers with her return to the BBC and provided one of the highlights of the opening episode as she was made to dig her own grave whilst donned in an all-white dress.

However, Church once found herself on the receiving end of an apology from the broadcaster after a risque comment about her sex life - made by one of the corporation's most long-standing and widely respected presenters - caused uproar amongst viewers.

Back in 2005, the singer-songwriter was just 19 years old but firmly in the spotlight as her relationship with Wales rugby international Gavin Henson dominated headlines week after week. They quickly became accustomed to seeing the details of their romance splashed across newspaper pages and discussed on TV, but it was an unlikely individual who ended up crossing the line.

Former tennis champion turned renowned presenter Sue Barker formed part of the hosting lineup for that year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, but a quip she delivered about Church and Henson during the two-hour flagship broadcast failed to land well with viewers.

Barker was chatting to Wales rugby head coach Mike Ruddock, who had guided his squad to a Grand Slam victory in the Six Nations for the first time since 1978 earlier in the year.

When questioned about his team's prospects of repeating their success at the next tournament, the Wimbledon legend seized her moment to deliver a cheeky gag.

"Obviously you will be hoping to successfully defend the Six Nations Championship with your star player Gavin Henson," she said.

"As long as you can keep him out of Church."

The studio audience appeared startled by Barker's comment, whilst Henson, who arrived late to the awards after getting stuck in traffic, was reportedly left furious when informed about the joke.

Those tuning in at home weren't amused either, with the BBC reported at the time to have received "a barrage of complaints" from viewers.

Both Church and Henson subsequently received an apology from BBC bosses, with a spokesman saying simply: "We are sorry if it [Barker's remark] caused any offence."

The evening was not without its controversies, as Barker engaged in a conversation with marathon runner Paula Radcliffe - who is famously known for relieving herself on the roadside during that year's London Marathon - about her upcoming race, and quipped: "Just make sure you check out the Portaloos before you get there."

Her co-presenter Gary Lineker also faced backlash after he referred to equestrian and Royal Family member Zara Tindall as "hot totty", prior to cricketer Freddie Flintoff being named that year's Sports Personality of the Year.

Church and Henson first made their relationship public in April 2005 and began living together the subsequent year. In 2007, they became parents to their first child, Ruby, while their second child, Dexter, arrived less than 18 months later.

It seemed as though the Welsh power couple would continue to grow stronger together, with the rugby star popping the question to Church on her 24th birthday in 2010. However, they chose to part ways just six weeks later, after spending five years together.