The BBC have pulled an upcoming episode of their hit series The Repair Shop that was due to to feature some jokes from late comedian Bob Monkhouse
The BBC have pulled an episode of The Repair Shop that was set to feature jokes by late comedian Bob Monkhouse over fears some of the gags would be deemed “sexist” by viewers. The hit series, which follows members of the public bringing in items of value for restoration, was scheduled to feature some of the late comedian’s handwritten joke books.
However, an employee on set became offended at the content, which apparently dates back to the 1960s, and flagged it to bosses. The employee in question believed that some of the material was “sexist” so producers took action and stopped the episode from going ahead, causing a “disheartened” atmosphere on set.
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A spokesperson for The Repair Shop told the Mirror that the episode was halted as soon as the production team saw the book and never made it to filming. “We planned to fix the joke book, but when we got it to the barn and saw it in its entirety, we realised it contained many jokes that were not appropriate for a programme. We explained this to the family and returned the book to them. We did not complete filming of the item, so it was never included in the programme.”
A source added: “A production employee stumbled across a joke – no doubt written in the 1960s – and took offence, believing it to be sexist. They flagged the problem, and a ‘collective decision’ was made to cull the whole thing. Experts waiting to lovingly restore the historical joke books were disheartened.”
Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “And Bob’s loved ones, who had agreed to participate in the show to talk passionately about his life, were at a loss. This has to be the corporation’s most embarrassing decision yet.”
Bob, who became known for fronting game shows like Family Fortunes and Celebrity Squares, died in 2003 at the age of 75.
After his passing the notebooks were stored in a suitcase and kept by his adopted daughter Abigail Williams and his writing partner Colin Edmonds, who previously addressed the writing, which he admitted would likely be unacceptable today.
He said: “They are of their time. There are things that were acceptable in the seventies which one wouldn’t dream of saying today.” Mr Edmons and Abigail had agreed to be filmed for the show at some point last year but the BBC told the outlet that that a “production decision” was ultimately made to pull the plug, and the corporation “supported [it] out of consideration for all viewers.”
Richochet, the company behind the programme, said: “Making decisions on which items to repair and include in the programme is part of the normal production process. These decisions are based on a range of factors.”
Earlier this month, it was announced that a standalone show by a fan favourite repair expert had been launched.
Dom Chinea’s Cornish Workshop, available for viewing on U and U Yesterday, chronicles the BBC star’s journey as he embarks on a new chapter in Cornwall with his wife Maria and their dog, Wendy.
A summary for the series states: “He carries out automotive, engineering and build work, as well as helping neighbours and his new community with their projects.
“Throughout the series, Dom enlists the aid of Sam Lovegrove (Shed and Buried) for general engineering assistance, plus a cast of charismatic, local tradespeople who collectively help Dom to achieve his ambitious plans..”
The Repair Shop is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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