Antony Worrall Thompson's deadly salad

Antony Worrall Thompson has apologised after advising people to put henbane, a poisonous weed which can lead to hallucinations, seizures and death if consumed, in their salads.

The former 'Ready Steady Cook' star admits he is "embarrassed" after telling readers the weed was "great for salads" while writing a recipe for Healthy and Organic Living magazine.

He said: "I was thinking of a wild plant with a similar name, not this herb, but of course I've ended up killing half the nation instead.

"The magazine have put out a correction but they printed it in advance. It's a bit embarrassing, but there have been no reports of any casualties. Please do pass on my apologies."

The magazine, who have been forced to write to all their subscribers and apologise, as well as putting a message explaining the error on their website, added: "Antony is very sorry for causing confusion and had quite a different plant in mind."

Nick Hobley, a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, said the plant should not be eaten under any circumstances.

He said: "It's highly toxic and could cause death. Side effects of henbane poisoning include dry mouth, dilation of the pupils, racing heart, hallucinations, delirium and then a coma."

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is classified as a poisonous plant under the 1968 Medicines Act.