David Broncano has apologised to viewers after his controversial interview with Vox leader Santiago Abascal, admitting he felt ‘very disappointed’ with himself and had failed to meet expectations.

The comedian addressed the backlash at the start of Tuesday’s La Revuelta, a day after Abascal’s appearance on the RTVE programme sparked criticism over its tone and the decision to allow Vox to select the studio audience.

‘I’m sad. I don’t think I did it well. I got several things wrong. I regret many things,’ Broncano said.

He admitted he had recognised the problems during the interview itself.

‘I spent the whole interview thinking: ‘I’ve f****d up, I’ve made a mistake, I thought it was a good idea, but I’ve f****d up,’’ he told viewers.

Broncano said he should have maintained the humour that normally defines the show. He also explained that interviewing political candidates had been a responsibility he had taken on as the presenter of the public broadcaster’s most-watched programme.

Apology to the regular audience

Tuesday’s show opened with a staged rebuke, as Broncano entered without the usual music and applause while audience members threw toilet rolls and other objects towards him.

He initially joked that he had disappointed the left more than anyone since politician Gabriel Rufian, before turning serious.

‘I want to apologise to the audience who couldn’t come to yesterday’s programme, who are our real audience,’ he said.

‘It’s one of the saddest moments of my recent life. I feel bad about having disappointed so many people.’

He added that he knew viewers expected more from the programme and that he had fallen short.

Broncano then reversed the show’s usual format, inviting audience members to question him about the interview.

Several criticised the decision to let Vox choose those attending Monday’s recording, as well as the departure from the programme’s usual tone.