ENGLISH actress Emma Thompson has confirmed that she did mean to criticise the Isle of Man in recent comments she made on an American chat show.

The actress had joked that residents on the Isle of Wight stoned homosexuals - whilst appearing on the chat show The Late Late Show.

After outcry from residents on the Isle of Wight the actress has now come forward and admitted she mixed up the Islands and did in fact mean the Isle of Man.

According to the dailymail.co.uk website Mrs Thompson sent an e-mail of apology to Isle of Wight council leader David Pugh.

It said: "Thank you so very much for understanding that not only were my remarks on a late night comedy show (comedy being the operative word) but I also mixed up my islands - I think it was the Isle of Man that used to enjoy the privilege of being allowed to shoot Scotsmen if they appeared on the beach."

Mr Pugh said he was delighted with the e-mail but said: "I am not sure whether the Isle of Man will be."

In fact the Isle of Man Government has taken the actresses comments with good humour saying: "Emma Thompson was obviously joking, so we are not taking her comments seriously.

"For the record the Isle of Man's exceptional quality of life is enjoyed by a wide variety of residents and visitors - including a number of Scots."

Also see: Did Emma Thompson criticise the wrong island?