BBC watchdog rules on complaint

BBC chiefs have investigated 1970s Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em for alleged homophobia.

One viewer complained that the 1975 Christmas episode  contained hateful language, prompting a probe by the Executive Complaints Unit.

The Times reports that the questionable scene  in the episode Learning To Drive concerned Frank Spencer - as played by Michael Crawford - working as a pixie in a department store grotto.

He loses control of a crowd of children when he tells them: ‘I’m the chief of the pixies, I’m the friend of all the little boys and girls.’

‘Oh no you’re not, you’re a poof,’ a boy heckles.

Spencer responds, affronted: ‘I beg your pardon, block your ears!’

Internal watchdogs have now ruled that the episode , did not breach editorial guidelines, after a repeat on BBC Two in December prompted the complaint.  The episode had been preceded by a warning to viewers about outdated language.

 A BBC spokesman said: ‘Attitudes and language change over time and our approach is to tell viewers when a show includes something that maybe offensive, inappropriate or outdated.’

The approach of keeping vintage comedy episodes intact but prefacing them with a warning about changing times has been largely adopted by British broadcasters  following concerns over shows including Little Britain, The League of Gentlemen, Blackadder and Peep Show.

Published: 3 Apr 2021