David Baddiel’s BBC Radio 4 show Don’t Make Me Laugh has been axed following complaints over jokes about the Queen’s sex life broadcast on her 90th birthday.
The comedian confirmed the news on Twitter, saying:
'Fraid so. I'm hoping maybe to pitch it again once we get past the 1960s. Oh no wait a minute, it's 2016. https://t.co/qxg5qTxoj3
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) October 5, 2016
A pre-recorded episode was broadcast on the monarch’s 90th birthday at 6.30pm and included the subject “The Queen must have had sex at least four times.”
On the show, comedians must try not to make the audience laugh as they discuss a particular subject.
(Ian Wes/PA)
The panel of comedians featured on the episode in question were Omid Djalili, Sara Pascoe, Russell Kane and Adam Hess.
The BBC Trust found that the jokes made on the show breached the broadcaster’s editorial guidelines.
The BBC acknowledged it had received complaints from listeners following the programme and issued a formal apology on its corrections and clarifications section.
(Ian West/PA)
At the time, David apologised on Twitter, writing: “Thanks for all nice comments. Sorry to royalists about Queen round. R4 rescheduled, that ep meant to go next week.”
However, the BBC did not reschedule the show or repeat the transmission and moved the remainder of the series to a later time slot of 11pm.
The BBC informed the palace of its apology and also removed the programme from iPlayer.
(Matt Crossick/PA)
A spokeswoman for Radio 4 said: “We’re lucky to receive hundreds of great ideas from brilliant comedians who want to work with Radio 4, and we always bring a mix of returning shows to our audiences whilst also finding space for new programmes in our packed schedule.
“This means not all shows get re-commissioned as otherwise it would be impossible to try out fresh formats and ideas.”
It is understood that the BBC Trust ruling was not a factor in the decision to axe the show and Baddiel will continue to work with Radio 4.
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