Sheffield actor Dominic West's 'joy' at Donald Trump's coronavirus diagnosis

The actor, who was born and brought up in the Broomhill area, was being asked about the US President’s Covid-19 diagnosis on live TV and said: "I did sort of leap in the air with joy.

"He said it is what it is, and I think the phrase is what goes around comes around.”

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However, his remarks on this morning’s Good Morning Britain were criticised as ‘insensitive’ by viewers.

Hosts Kate Garraway and Adil Ray asked The Wire star for his thoughts, after discussing the breaking news all morning on the show.

Admitting he "wasn't a fan", Dominic said he feared the news could cause chaos with the looming election in America.

Pledging his support to Trump's rival Joe Biden, he didn't have any sympathy for the president following the news and added: "I just hope it doesn't interfere with him bring elected out of office, that's all."

Host Kate said: "I'm sure you wish him well personally," before asking if he thought there was an element of "karma".

Referring to it as "schadenfreude", Dominic went on: "I'm not a fan of his you can probably tell, I just hope Biden stays healthy and gets the presidency as quickly a possible.

"I just think Trump is a catastrophe for America and the world."

Taking to Twitter, most responses slammed the comments calling them "appalling" and "insensitive".

One read: "I’m disappointed in Dominic West. Despite what you think of him as a politician, to jump for joy because someone has a virus that could potentially kill him is disgusting!"

Another said: "Dominic West is a vile human being."

Meanwhile another tweeted: "‘Slightly leap in the air with joy’ what a lovely guest you have on."

The Sheffield-born actor has played a number of roles, with his portrayal of Jimmy McNulty in the HBO drama series The Wire earning him widespread praise.

He won the Best Actor BAFTA in 2012 for his portrayal of serial killer Fred West in the TV show Appropriate Adult, and has been nominated for two Golden Globes.

His family still lives in Sheffield.