(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Tom Hanks has joked he needs a "seven-second delay" after uttering a profanity on a morning TV show today.

The Oscar-winning actor was showing off the English accent he used in his new movie Cloud Atlas during the interview on Good Morning America.

Tom was asked to say something in character by Elizabeth Vargas when he accidently uttered the swear word.

"Most of it is swear words," Tom warned. Then, in a thick accent, he said, "I want people to f**king " - before stopping himself and slapping his hand to his face.

The 56-year-old legendary film star seemed shocked at his mistake. Tom, who is a professional at giving movie promotional interviews such as this, revealed it was the first time he had mucked up so badly.

"Man oh man, I'm sorry," he said. "I have never done that before. I want to apologise to the kids in America that are watching this right now, and let me say next time on the show there will be a seven-second delay."

Elizabeth also looked stunned and apologised on behalf of the network.

"Once again, my apologies to the people of the United States of America," Tom added before leaving the studio.

Cloud Atlas opens in the US later this month. (C) Cover Media