Tony’s Krankie over chickens
ONE side’s crying fowl play and the other is spitting feathers.
But forget Ali v Foreman, Noel v Liam or even Donald v Hillary – this is one celeb showdown where the claws are really coming out. So who are these great rivals? Broadcasting legend Tony Blackburn and... The Krankies.
Yes, despite a combined age of 217, the trio seem ready to peck each others’ eyes out – and it’s all because of a chicken.
Husband-and-wife comedy duo
Janette and Ian Tough, both 71, are currently starring in BBC One’s The
Real Marigold Hotel, which sees a flock of celebs of a certain age experiencing life in India.
But Radio 2 DJ Tony had a particular beef with the last episode, after it showed the celebs handing a butcher a live bird to be decapitated and skinned, all in full HD glory.
All of a flutter, vegetarian Tony, 75, said yesterday: “I thought it was horrible. I turned away because I can’t bear those things. I love animals. Why did they have to show a chicken being killed on a television programme? I don’t understand it. It’s not necessary. Not necessary at all. I thought it was horrible and I detested it.”
But while many agreed with him, The Krankies got into a huge flap. And in a joint (of course) statement, the Scots pair flew off the handle, saying: “Well, how does Tony, whom I know from the 80s, think a chicken is killed?
“Does he think we should have given it a sleeping tablet first? “You need to let the younger generation see how and where food comes from or they will think KFC comes in a box from some magic factory.” The pair then implied that Tony might be being a little, um, chicken about the whole thing, saying...
“Come on, Tony, there are much worse things on TV to get upset about.”
The BBC is yet to comment but, as a lifelong vegetarian, I know which side I think should cluck off ....