A TV show in Australia has issued a lengthy apology after a comedian guest made an off-colour joke about Jesus.

Comedian Reuben Kaye, who describes himself as "loud, politically active, queer and brash", appeared on The Project earlier this week to speak about his upcoming tour and the hate he receives for his sexuality.

He said his critics are mainly online users who do so "from a religious angle".

His line left co-anchor Waleed Aly, who is a Sunni Muslim, speechless while the rest of the members of the panel laughed along the joke.

The X-rated comment left Christian viewers raging with many people online calling for the show to be cancelled.

One person wrote: "I'm very disappointed and will be switching off this show forever. The number one rule in comedy if you want to have a long career is to keep religion and politics out of it."

"Absolutely disgusting to have a guest on in that time slot to make horrible, sexual jokes. While also making offensive jokes towards Christians. If a Christian made that joke on tv, about LGTQ+, they'd be cancelled forever," another one wrote.

On Wednesday, hosts Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris apologised to viewers.

Aly said: "During a live interview last night, our guest told a joke which we know was deeply and needlessly offensive to many of you.

"We want to acknowledge the particular offence and hurt that it caused our Muslim and especially our Christian viewers. Obviously, I understand how profound that offence was."

Harris added: "Live TV is unpredictable. And when this happened in the last few moments of the show, it took us all by surprise, there wasn't a lot of time to react in a considered way."

Aly then added: "We weren't expecting a comment like that to be made and we acknowledge the offence it caused. We are sorry."

Premier has taken the decision not to show the clip due to the offensive nature of the joke, but acknowledges some may want to know the content. It can be found here.