Howie Mandel apologises for heated exchange with TV hosts over back-handed compliment after turning 70

Howie Mandel has apologised for his recent heated exchange with TV hosts Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos, but claims it was all a joke.

The Canadian-born actor and comedian, who has been a judge on America's Got Talent for 15 years, took to Instagram to comment on the awkward exchange that took place during a recent appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark when attention turned to turning 70.

But in Mandel's usual fashion, it was hard to tell where the apology ended and the joking began.

Watch the video above.

"I have been debating for 48 hours whether I should make this post or not and I don't know if I'm doing the right thing," Mandel began.

"Philosophically, I don't believe that somebody who is a comedian needs to apologise for a joke.

"It is a joke, it is meant as a joke, and it's not meant to offend."

READ MORE: David Beckham reveals what his kids asked after knighthood

READ MORE: 'I met a Hemsworth, and I was not expecting this'

READ MORE: Katy Perry and Trudeau take us inside date night

Mandel then said that in "all my years, 50 years in the business, I haven't ever publicly apologised", before adding "it's hard for me".

"But this is for Kelly Ripa, who in the past has been incredibly supportive. Not only have I been a guest on her show, but I have co-hosted with her and I've known her for years," he said, adding the show's producer was also a good friend.

"When I go out there, I just try to be entertaining and funny, and sometimes as a comedian, things don't land the way you mean them to land."

"And I don't know how to say this; not only do I want to say sorry to Kelly, but this is the hardest part, you're right, you're absolutely right and I'm sorry I didn't see it that way, but after a lot of thought and self-reflection, I do look great for my age, I really do," he continued.

"I look fantastic, and I just have to embrace the fact I look this good."

Mandel's comments come days after a recent appearance on the couple's talk show, when they attempted to compliment Mandel on his appearance

"You just celebrated 70 years. You're 70 years old," began Consuelos.

"Yes, I'm 70," said a smiling Mandel, to cheers from the audience.

"It doesn't make any sense," quipped Ripa.

"What do you mean it doesn't make any sense?" said Mandel. "'I look great?' That doesn't mean anything to me. No, no, no, no, no. I don't like that because it's a caveat. Because when you... tell someone you're 70 and they say, 'You look great...'"

Ripa then interjected, saying, "We're not saying you look great for 70. You look great..." before she was cut off by Mandel.

"Yes you are. Without saying '70'."

"We are saying you look great and I don't believe you're 70," Ripa continued.

"It's like saying, 'You're smart for a stupid person'," Mandel continued before adding, "It's like saying I don't look good."

Mandel started his career in the 80s, and rose to fame after voicing the role of Gizmo in the 1984 hit film Gremlins.

He also appeared in 137 episodes as Dr Wayne Fiscus in the popular 80s medical drama St Elsewhere.

He has been a host on America's Got Talent since 2010.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.