Orlando Bloom explains use of 'pikey' term on Radio 1

Actor Orlando Bloom said he "wasn't taking a slant" at Gypsy and traveller communities when he used the word "pikey" in a live radio interview.

Appearing on BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show to promote his new film, the ex-public schoolboy from Canterbury said he was "a pikey from Kent".

The National Gypsy-Traveller-Roma Council said his use of the "racially abusive term is worrying".

Presenter Nick Grimshaw later apologised on air to listeners.

After the interview Hollywood star Bloom said: "I've come from Kent and I grew up with a lot of, like, freewheeling, cool, interesting characters like that.

"I certainly wasn't taking a slant at that at all. I'm very respectful."

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Orlando Bloom said he did not mean any offence

He made the comment during an interview with Nick Grimshaw on Radio 1's Breakfast Show.

The host later told listeners: "So good to have Orlando Bloom on the show... he's a bit of a loose cannon.

"Apologies if you were offended by anything that Orlando may have said."

In a statement, Radio 1 added: "As with any live broadcast, we take great care to ensure all guests are briefed about their language before going on air.

"We apologised to listeners afterwards for any offence caused."