Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan has called former Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley an "insufferable d**k" after the singer declined to speak at length about George Michael.
Ridgeley, 55, had appeared on the show to talk about completing a 1,800km charity bike ride across Europe, for which he raised £1m.
However, the interview quickly became awkward after Morgan probed him about his late bandmate and friend George Michael.
Asked how he dealt with Michael's death, a dignified Ridgeley responded: "I would imagine much like everyone else in a period of grief. It's a difficult adjustment and the loss of a great friend is traumatic and emotionally tough."
Attempting to steer things back to the main topic he added: "Almost as emotionally tough as doing the Dallaglio Cycle Slam."
When he finished speaking, Morgan continued to ask him about Michael and questioned why he didn't like talking about the past.
"I wasn't sure that was why I was here today to be honest with you," Ridgeley replied. "I'd much rather be discussing the Dallaglio Cycle Slam and its good work for people who haven't had privileges of you and I. I think that's a more worthy subject matter."
After the interview Morgan apologised to viewers for the "awkward" interaction and blamed it on Ridgeley's reluctance to talk about Michael.
"I never really understand why people come on if people don't want to talk about, whatever," he said. "If you were one of the biggest pop stars in the world, I imagine you would talk about it. If anyone was offended by me asking about pop music and Wham! stuff I can only not apologise."
He then tweeted: "My thanks to Andrew Ridgeley for being such an insufferable d**k today- much appreciated!"
At around the same time, the official Good Morning Britain Twitter account had congratulated Ridgeley for his contributions to charity.
