The comedian, who was a roving reporter on the weekday evening programme, has been removed after a complaint was lodged about his behaviour two months ago.

Kohli, 39, said he had apologised "unreservedly" for his behaviour after being hauled before bosses.

He said: "Nobody has accused me of sexual harassment. I recognise I over stepped the mark and have apologised unreservedly."

A BBC spokeswoman told Sky News Online: "Producers of 'The One Show' received a complaint regarding Hardeep's behaviour towards a production colleague.

"She made no formal complaint and has acknowledged that 'One Show' management took the issue extremely seriously. He was reprimanded and immediately apologised.

"He agreed to take some time away from the show to reflect on his behaviour. This leave of absence has been agreed to be 6 months."

Kohli's ban only applies to The One Show and the BBC told Sky News online that he is still working on other projects for the corporation, including a BBC Radio 4 programme.

The BBC also said it would decide on whether to return to The One Show or not after the six month suspension.

The Scottish writer and comedian has appeared in number of other programmes for the BBC since being taken on as a trainee for the corporation in Scotland.

Most recently he was in Famous, Rich and Homeless and in 2008 took part in Sport Relief Does The Apprentice. He was the celebrity to get fired.

It is the latest scandal to hit the One Show which is presented by Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.

In February, Carol Thatcher was fired after allegedly referring to a tennis player as a "Golliwog" off-air.