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BBC axes David Baddiel show after joke about the Queen results in 120 complaints

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The BBC has axed a show created by writer and comedian David Baddiel after the corporation received more than 120 complaints about an episode aired on the Queen’s 90th birthday.

The BBC Radio 4 panel show Don’t Make Me Laugh was also hosted by Mr Baddiel. The episode in question featured the topic “the Queen must have had sex at least four times”.

Following complaints, the BBC Trust ruled that the panelists’ comments were “personal, intrusive and demeaning”, although Mr Baddiel apologised for the content and said that the show was not supposed to be aired on the Queen’s birthday, but the week after.

Originally scheduled for a 6.30pm slot, Don’t Make Me Laugh was initially pushed to 11pm before being cancelled.

The BBC denies basing this decision on the fallout from the Queen’s birthday episode, however, blaming schedule turnover instead.

“We’re lucky to receive hundreds of great ideas from brilliant comedians who want to work with Radio 4, and we always bring a mix of returning shows to our audiences whilst also finding space for new programmes in our packed schedule,” said a spokeswoman for BBC Radio 4.

“This means not all shows get recommissioned as otherwise it would be impossible to try out fresh formats and ideas.”

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