Television veteran Sherrie Hewson has launched a blistering attack on ITV's decision to plaster classic British comedies with modern-day trigger warnings, calling the practice "absolute nonsense" and profoundly "insulting" to audiences.
The 73-year-old actress, renowned for her roles in Coronation Street and Benidorm, expressed her fury after discovering that episodes of the beloved sitcoms now carry on-screen cautions about "language and attitudes of the time."
A Blow to Comic Legacy
Hewson, who played the iconic Joyce Temple-Savage in the sun-soaked resort comedy, argues that the warnings fundamentally undermine the essence of the shows. She insists that the humour in series like Benidorm and Birds of a Feather was never malicious but was crafted to bring joy and laughter to millions.
"We were never offensive. We were funny," Hewson stated emphatically. The notion that these programmes now require a disclaimer has left her baffled and concerned about the rewriting of comedy history.
The Changing Landscape of Broadcasting
ITV's move is part of a broader industry trend, with broadcasters like the BBC and streaming services also adding contextual warnings to older content. While intended to acknowledge evolving social sensitivities, critics like Hewson see it as a form of censorship that patronises viewers.
The warnings typically appear before an episode begins, stating: "This programme contains language and attitudes of the time which may offend."
Standing Up for the Audience
Hewson's defence is rooted in a deep respect for the viewing public. She believes audiences are intelligent enough to understand that societal norms change and can watch historical content within its original context without needing a warning label.
Her passionate critique highlights a growing cultural debate about how modern sensibilities are applied retrospectively to art and entertainment, questioning where the line should be drawn between sensitivity and sanitisation.
