TV legend John Challis criticised plans to censor classic British sitcoms like Only Fools and Horses for being “offensive” to modern audiences. British streaming service Britbox – a subscription service led by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 – was launched earlier this month. However, its decision to “censor” and attach sensitivity warnings to shows that could offend modern sensibilities have drawn widespread criticism.
The bespoke warnings will label specific episodes – with one Only Fools and Horses episode and almost every episode of Fawlty Towers impacted.
Only Fools and Horses star John Challis spoke out against the move during an appearance on the Jeremy Vine show this morning.
Challis questioned why it was right that a show like Only Fools and Horses, that was “still enjoyed by hundreds every day”, could be taken down because it offends “two or three people”.
He recommended that people who are offended by these programmes “simply choose to not watch them”.
JUST IN: Tony Blair talks down Britain saying ‘don’t hold your breath’ for US trade deal
Challis said: “Well Only Fools and Horses still shows every day.
“But, jokes in that show that used to get an enormous laugh at the time 30 years ago now don’t. Is that acceptable now, or not?
“Hundreds of people who watch the show I was in, and think what a relief, we can laugh at that.
“What has happened to comedy now because you can’t say anything that might offend one or two people. Is that right?”
Till Death Do Us Part includes the bigoted character Alf Garnett, while Love Thy Neighbour features a West Indian couple who move next door to a white English couple.
An ITV spokesperson added: “We’ve carefully selected a wide range of the very best in British programming which will appeal to viewers in 2019.”
Following the launch of BritBox, a spokesperson confirmed that the “vast majority” of British shows will disappear from Netflix within the next year.
Reemah Sakaan, the ITV executive leading Britbox, acknowledged that “changing tastes” were a factor in the selection process and some material had not aged well.
