A Russian TV channel made a huge gaffe after airing an MI6 plea for citizens in the country to turn their back on Vladimir Putin and start spying for Britain.

Channel 1 transmitted a video message from the boss of the Secret Intelligence Service during an hour long broadcast hosted by ex-Russian spy Maria Butina.

The former agent was hosting an hour long profile of MI6 chief Richard Moore when the clip was aired to Russian citizens.

It is unclear if the TV station's executives were aware they were openly playing a recruitment message out on national television before the broadcast was made.

Moore's message, which was originally made in Prague in July, urged Russians who were appalled by Putin's invasion of Ukraine to spy for MI6.

He claimed a number of Russian nationals had already provided information and urged others to do so.

"Our door is always open," he said.

Until now his message has scarcely been reported on Russian television.

Russian experts say that the Kremlin had been eager to avoid its citizens from hearing the appeal for the intelligence service.

Channel 1 is one of Russia's most popular TV stations, meaning that Moore's appeal is likely to have now been heard by millions.

"The plug was priceless," Professor Mark Galeotti told the Sun.

"In Russia, you simply do not broadcast an invitation to work for a hostile intelligence agency."