William Shatner apologises for HIGNFY gag

William Shatner has apologised to the people of Ilfracombe after suggesting it was rife with prostitution on Have I Got News for You.

The Captain Kirk actor made the comment after pronouncing the Devon town’s name in a way that panellist Charlie Brooker said sounded ‘deeply sexual’.

Shatner replied by saying: ‘Have you been to Ilfracombe? The place is laced with prostitution...’

Brooker added: ‘That will be their new slogan now.’

However, his remarks apparently upset some residents of the sleepy resort, prompting town councillor Paul Crabb wrote to Shatner via his agent.

‘As Captain James T Kirk, Mr Shatner has been to places where no man has gone before, however, the episode of Have I Got News For You clearly shows he has never been to Ilfracombe,’ he said.

‘If he came, we could show him that there is no prostitution in Ilfracombe and that it is a lovely coastal town with spectacular scenery and a close community.’

Shatner, 81, emailed back in person, saying that prostitution ‘commonly means sex for something of value. I would be hard-pressed to believe that sex was not being had in Ilfracombe for something of value, perhaps a lengthy marriage, children or a valuable career.

But he added: ‘In any event, my apologies for having singled out Ilfracombe as a potential haven for prostitution. With you overseeing, I am sure that will not happen.’

Here’s the original exchange, which came in an item about the Olympic Torch:

Published: 20 Jun 2012