Shortland Street appears to drop an F-BOMB during PG time slot

SBS has issued a statement denying the word ‘f**k’ was used during the PG-rated soap Shortland Street.

The broadcaster was forced to issue the denial after viewers noticed Nicole, played by actress Sally Martin, exclaimed what sounded like ‘un-f**ken-believable!’ in a scene.

‘SBS can advise that the series does not contain the word f***,’ a spokesperson told TV Tonight.

The broadcaster continued: ‘The series does use the terms “frickin” and “fudge”. The series is classified in line with the SBS Codes of Practice.’

The scene in question involved Nicole becoming frustrated to learn that her mother has entered into a relationship with her own partner’s mother.

That led to her making the disputed utterance. 

The New Zealand produced soap airs on SBS VICELAND at 5:40pm.

Shortland Street is a Kiwi TV institution, having aired over 7000 episodes since it debuted in 1992. 

The show has produced several stars who have gone on to work in Hollywood, including Karl Urban (Star Trek Beyond) and Martin Henderson (Grey’s Anatomy).

However the biggest find in recent years has been KJ Apa, who broke out playing Archie Andrews in The CW’s smash hit Riverdale.