BBC has launched an investigation into the 70s show Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, following a complaint concerning “hateful language” in the series.
The Christmas special, which aired in 1975, saw Frank Spencer, played by Michael Crawford, working as a pixie in a festive department store grotto.
However, the language used in the episode has raised concerns, with BBC investigating the series for homophobic content.
The scene saw Frank say: “I’m the chief of the pixies, I’m the friend of all the little boys and girls.”
A boy turned to the character and heckled: “Oh no you’re not, you’re a p**f.”
(Image: BBC TWO)
“I beg your pardon, block your ears!” Frank replied in the scene.
The episode was recently repeated on BBC Two, which prompted a complaint from a viewer, leading to an investigation from the internal watchdog.
Before the episode aired, BBC issued a warning, informing viewers the episode contained outdated language.
According to The Times, an internal BBC watchdog ruled the episode did not breach editorial guidelines.
A BBC spokesman said: “Attitudes and language change over time and our approach is to tell viewers when a show includes something that may be offensive, inappropriate or outdated.”
Debuting in 1973, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em followed Frank and his wife Betty, as he tried to hold down a number of jobs to support their family.
The series came to an end with 1978’s Christmas special, and Michael Crawford went on to star in a number of West End hits and theatre productions.
Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em is one of a number of shows which have been prefaced by warnings for modern viewers when airing as repeats.
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Little Britain, The League of Gentlemen, Blackadder and Peep Show have been accompanied by such prefaces before broadcasting.
It comes after BBC viewers slammed the film Grease when it aired back in January, accusing the cinema classic of racist, homophobic, and bullying language.
Olivia Newton-John, who starred as Sandy in the flick, has previously dismissed claims of sexism, saying: “It’s a movie and a fun story and I’ve never taken it too seriously.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
