KRANKIES IN PANTO S.O.S.

PC busybodies ‘wrecking a Christmas tradition’

THE Krankies fear the British panto is under threat because of political correctness.

Janette and Ian, both 70, reckon the debate about transgender issues could mean cross-dressing is banned.

Millions of fans know Janette as cheeky schoolboy Wee Jimmy Krankie from her years on telly.

She said: “We’re a bit concerned about what’s happening today. Through our whole career I’ve played Jimmy Krankie, but now people might say, ‘Why are you doing that?’ I will just think, ‘Oh forget it’.

“Every day there’s something about boys wanting to dress as girls and girls wanting to dress as boys. It’s nothing new. It doesn’t mean to say there’s something wrong with their bodies.”

Ian added: “People used to ask Janette why she dressed up as a little boy and she’d say, ‘Because it makes me a lot of money… stop asking stupid questions and get out of my face’.

“It’s just got absolutely ridiculous. I don’t know who these people are that have these politically correct rules. I don’t remember voting for them.

“There’s a woman complaining about Sleeping Beauty because she gets kissed by a prince. What nonsense is that?”

The British panto is known for the dame being played by a man, but The Krankies say that could soon be a thing of the past.

Ian said: “The first thing they took out was a girl playing the principal boy. I remember in the late 80s they started complaining about that. The next thing we were told a man had to play that part.

“The other thing political correctness hit was comedy. These people say, ‘You can’t say this, you can’t say that’. But I don’t think there should be any barriers in comedy. If you don’t tackle a subject with humour then it’s crazy.”

Janette said: “I can imagine what they’ll try to do this year. The panto dame is probably going to get it this year.”

Ian added: “The panto as we know it is at risk if we allow it to be. In my opinion, if you want political correctness then don’t go to the panto.”

The Krankies are celebrating 40 years in panto this Christmas, starring alongside actor John Barrowman in Dick Whittington in Manchester.

Ian said: “The great thing about this show is it even has innuendo in the title… and even more so when you’re working with John.

“It works on two levels. There are jokes for adults and other ones for kids.”