BBC Cancels Repair Shop Episode Over Bob Monkhouse Joke Book Deemed Sexist
The BBC has made the decision to pull an upcoming episode of the popular series The Repair Shop that was set to feature jokes from the late comedian Bob Monkhouse. This move came after an employee on set raised concerns that some of the material, which dates back to the 1960s, could be viewed as sexist by modern audiences.
Production Halted Following Employee Complaint
According to sources, a production employee discovered the joke book during preparations and took offence at its content, believing it to be inappropriate. The employee promptly reported the issue to bosses, leading to a collective decision to cancel the episode. This action left experts on set who were eager to restore the historical items feeling disheartened.
A spokesperson for The Repair Shop confirmed to the Mirror that the episode was halted as soon as the production team reviewed the book in its entirety. They stated, "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."
Impact on Monkhouse's Family and Show Atmosphere
The decision has also affected Bob Monkhouse's loved ones, including his adopted daughter Abigail Williams and his writing partner Colin Edmonds, who had agreed to participate in the show to discuss his life. A source told The Sun, "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."
Colin Edmonds had previously acknowledged that the jokes, written in the 1970s, reflect their time and might not be acceptable 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." The BBC supported the production decision out of consideration for all viewers, as stated by the corporation.
Broader Context and Production Company Response
Richochet, the production company behind The Repair Shop, commented on the situation, noting that decisions on which items to include are part of the normal production process and are based on a range of factors. This incident highlights ongoing debates about how historical content is handled in contemporary media.
In related news, a standalone show featuring fan favourite repair expert Dom Chinea has been launched. Dom Chinea's Cornish Workshop, available on U and U Yesterday, follows his new life in Cornwall with his wife and dog, focusing on automotive and community projects.
The Repair Shop remains available for viewing on BBC iPlayer, continuing to showcase the restoration of cherished items without the controversial episode.
