BBC 'sorry' for another news spoof

The Queen meets Postman Pat at the party
11 April 2012
The Weekender

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The BBC has apologised over a spoof newsflash during yesterday's Queen's birthday party celebrations which claimed that a major incident had taken place at Buckingham Palace

Party host Jonathan Ross sparked confusion when he told viewers: "We had hoped to bring you the children's party at the Palace but it's over to the news room for a report."

Newsreader Huw Edwards informed viewers of an incident before cutting to Sophie Raworth on the scene.

The hoax, which sparked 70 complaints to the BBC yesterday, was revealed when Raworth began interviewing comic Ronnie Corbett about the loss of the Queen's handbag.

The spoof on the programme, which was watched by around seven million viewers, took place only days after police criticised BBC Radio 2 host Jeremy Vine for a hoax report which said that Soham killer Ian Huntley was dead.

Today head of TV News Peter Horrocks said: "The tone of Huw and Sophie's news report had of course been considered and we assumed people would respond in the context of the fun and fantasy of the party at the palace.

"But having watched the opening sequence again, I can quite see the combination of Jonathan Ross's hurriedly broken off introduction, then the newsroom with Huw's sombre expression could have led some to have concern.

"All I can do is apologise for anyone who was momentarily misled."

One viewer said: "I have a daughter and two grandchildren there, my heart was in my mouth. It was awful to open like that.

"There was no fun at that, for goodness sake how irresponsible."

Another said: "I cannot believe the crass insensitivity of this fake newsflash. We had a daughter caught up in the London bombings and a granddaughter at the palace. I was terrified when I saw this."

A BBC spokeswoman said: "This was an integral part of the night's entertainment. The appearance of Ronnie Corbett dressed as Buttons would have quickly made it clear that this was not a real newscast.

"However, we are sorry that some people did not appreciate the joke."

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