Loose Women panelist Ruth Langsford has spoken out over the proposed changes to work by classic children’s author Roald Dahl.
The 62-year-old TV presenter branded the changes as “wrong” and “dangerous”, before adding that she’s concerned children will become scared to be offended.
She blasted the idea of amending books like Matilda, The Twits and other Roald Dahl classics as she discussed the proposed changes on ITV’s Loose Women.
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Changes to the books have reportedly come as a review of Roald Dahl’s work and certain references to weight, mental health, violence, gender, and race have been altered or removed.
(Image: ITV)
The Telegraph reported that one key change in books is the removal of the word “fat” from every book by the author.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory character Augustus Gloop is now said to be referred to as “enormous” instead.
Speaking to her fellow Loose Women panellists, Ruth slammed the changes as she said that young people will be “frightened of their own shadows soon”.
She added that she would be happy with a disclaimer and have “no problem” with a warning over possible offensive or outdated language, which then allows the reader to choose whether to continue reading.
(Image: PA)
The former This Morning star then added: “But to start rewriting and taking things out from such a famous author, who’s so loved the world over by children, I think is wrong and I think it’s dangerous.”
Ruth ended her views as she said: “I think it will lead on to [children being] scared to go out of the house soon in case something offends them.”
Her fellow ITV stars shared similar views as Coleen Nolan scoffed: “They’re changing the word fat to enormous. Oh, because that’s much better! […] Oh, thank you for not saying I’m fat and ugly.”
Pop star Frankie Bridge commented that editing would just mean the new words become outdated in future and need changing too.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
She shared: “Eventually someone’s gonna be offended by [the new phrases] and they’re gonna become the new offensive words and then we’re gonna have to change them again.”
A spokesperson for the Roald Dahl Story Company released a statement, which said: “We want to ensure that Roald Dahl’s wonderful stories and characters continue to be enjoyed by all children today.
“When publishing new print runs of books written years ago, it’s not unusual to review the language used alongside updating other details including a book’s cover and page layout.
“Our guiding principle throughout has been to maintain the storylines, characters, and the irreverence and sharp-edged spirit of the original text. Any changes made have been small and carefully considered.”
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