Prince Charles has poked fun at Molly Meldrum in a segment of a new ABC series marking the 40th anniversary of the first broadcast of music show Countdown.

Recalling a disastrous 1977 interview with Meldrum, the Prince of Wales said that while there are warnings not to work with animals or children “no-one prepared me for Molly Meldrum”.

In attempting to interview the heir to the throne on Countdown, Meldrum repeatedly stumbled over his words, complaining at one point that he was “sweating like a pig”.

Matters deteriorated further as Meldrum took to swearing loudly at his repeated mistakes.

In the segment for Countdown: Do Yourself a Favour, which airs on 16 November, Charles said: “Is it really 40 years ago? It feels like yesterday, I wish it were tomorrow, I’d cancel it.

“I certainly learned some interesting new Australian words from Mr Meldrum, and if he could’ve read my mind he would’ve learned some interesting new English words from me.”

Charles is then shown being slapped on the arm by someone off camera, who tells him to “come on, get a grip.” Charles then asks for a glass of water, mimicking Meldrum’s own request during the tortured interview.

Countdown ran on the ABC from November 1974 until July 1987. The show featured various live acts and music videos, including Kylie Minogue, INXS, AC/DC and Men At Work.

Countdown: Do Yourself a Favour will be hosted by RocKwiz host Julia Zemiro.