NO formal investigation will be held after actress Miriam Margolyes sparked almost 500 complaints by saying on TV she wanted Boris Johnson “to die” from coronavirus.

She told The Last Leg, on Channel 4, that the Government’s handling of the pandemic has been a “disgrace” and “a public scandal”.

Watchdog Ofcom has decided to take no action against the 78-year-old.

A spokesperson said: “These provocative comments had clear potential to offend viewers.

“But we also considered the audience's likely expectations of Miriam Margolyes, a comic actor known for her forthright views, and of this live, late-night satirical comedy show.

“We also took into account that Ms Margolyes immediately qualified her comments, and viewers were warned in advance about the programme's adult humour.”