Little Britain is often regarded as one of the UK’s most controversial TV shows, including blackface characters and offensive representations of gay and disabled people
Little Britain is a series steeped in controversy.
The polarising UK series, first released 9 February 2003, featured comedians David Walliams and Matt Lucas dressed as different fictionalised members of British society.
Vicky Pollard, a teenager in a pink tracksuit, Daffyd Thomas, a gay man often decked out in lycra or PVC, and Andy Pipkin, a man so lazy he pretends to be disabled, are some of the show’s most recognisable characters.
Dudley Punt, played by Walliams, and Ting Tong Macadangdang, played by Lucas, are two of the most controversial characters in the series. Ting is described as Dudley’s “mail-ordered bride,” known for begging and seducing her husband as he repeatedly attempts to kick her out of his flat.
Ofcom’s asked study participants about the sketch said that they felt as though “society had moved on” and the BBC responded: “All jokes in our output are judged on context and intent.”
“The sketches in which the character Linda Flint makes reference to the appearance or race of a series of people are intended to expose and ridicule some of the outdated prejudices and racism that still exist in parts of British society, which is more apparent when viewing the sketches within the context of a full episode, and across the series as a whole.”
The organisation explained that Little Britain is “part of the BBC’s comedy archive” and that viewers are informed about the “inclusion of discriminatory language” on iPlayer.
Back in 2020, it was reported that Little Britain, along with Walliams and Lucas’ other comedy show Come Fly With Me, was pulled from iPlayer, BritBox and Netflix as “times have changed”.
A BBC spokesperson said at the time: “There’s a lot of historical programming available on BBC iPlayer, which we regularly review. Times have changed since Little Britain first aired so it is not currently available on BBC iPlayer.”
Little Britain also came under fire for the use of blackface when portraying the character Desiree DeVere, along with the offensive portrayal of gay and disabled characters. In 2020, Matt tweeted that he and David are “very sorry” and wanted to “make it clear that it was wrong”.
Lucas, who became a household name from the show, also spoke about his regrets back in 2017. The comedian admitted: “If I could go back and do Little Britain again, I wouldn’t make those jokes about transvestites. I wouldn’t play black characters.”
“Basically, I wouldn’t make that show now. It would upset people. We made a more cruel kind of comedy than I’d do now,” said Lucas – and co-star Walliams has also previously expressed that he would “definitely do it differently” today.
Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
