BBC journalists can't take part in its own comedy show

The BBC has reportedly banned its journalists from taking part in one of the corporation’s own comedy shows for fear of becoming embroiled in another fakery row – even though that’s the very point of the programme.

New panel show The Bubble locks three comedians away from all media for four days. They are then presented with a mixture of real and fictional news stories that they missed, and identify which is which.

Sky and ITN have been happy to make spoof reports for the David Mitchell-fronted show – but senior BBC journalists have been barred from taking part.

One insider told The Independent: ‘They saw the words “fake clips” and hit the panic button. They are treating the audience like idiots.’

Political editor Nick Robinson did take part in the pilot edition, falsely reporting about disgraced RBS chief Sir Fred Goodwin – but BBC News is said to have second thoughts, even though newsreaders and reporters often appear in dramas and sitcoms.

A spokesman for BBC News said: ‘We are sure The Bubble on BBC Two will be extremely funny but BBC journalists will leave it to the comedians to do the comedy.

The Bubble, which is made for BBC Two by Hat Trick, starts at 10pm on Friday, with Frank Skinner, Reginald D Hunter and Victoria Coren currently locked away in preparation.

Published: 17 Feb 2010