Embattled TV3 presenter John Campbell says he's ditched his tie - but he feels naked without it.
The Campbell Live host, who has hit headlines in recent weeks over reports the current affairs show is facing the axe, was asked by a viewer at the end of last night's show why he was no longer wearing a tie.
Campbell, who ditched his tie at the beginning of the year, responded with a spiel about his troubles finding a decent replacement for his "security blanket".
"Someone has emailed in about my woolen vest, wondering if it's because it's cold in here," Campbell told viewers.
"Yes I have been wearing vests since I took off a tie and the reason for that is this: you can't just have a shirt. Previously I would have had a tie dangling down, it's like a security blanket, otherwise your chest is just exposed to the world.
"No one wants to see my chest, it's just boring buttons," Campbell said, gesturing to his grey vest.
He then took out his earpiece, grinned and told viewers: "I'm using vests and waistcoats but they're really just a tie substitute because I'm deeply uptight."
Campbell Live's ratings have improved since news broke that the show was "under review," with rumoured substitutes including a homegrown soap and a Jono and Ben-style entertainment show. Several petitions have been started urging TV3 to save the show.
Campbell has addressed those rumours with his tongue in his cheek, ending one show last week by playing the song, Let Me Entertain You.
Last night he opened with the statement: "Thanks for watching. Every viewer counts."
• Watch last night's episode of Campbell Live here.
- nzherald.co.nz