Ofcom ponders probe into TV Red Nose Day

TV WATCHDOG Ofcom is considering whether to launch an investigation into the BBC’s Red Nose Day telethon after the fundraiser sparked more than 150 complaints.

The Comic Relief show was criticised on social media for prewatershed profanity and sound problems.

Several moments on the show involving Vic Reeves and Russell Brand sparked controversy.

Regulator Ofcom said that most of the complaints it received related to content rather than technical issues.

A spokesman said: “We have received 151 complaints about Comic Relief 2017 on the BBC. We will assess these complaints before deciding whether or not to investigate.”

Highlights of the Friday night telethon, which was shown on BBC1 and BBC2, included the Love Actually sequel, starring Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Colin Firth.

But viewers complained on Twitter about the use of swearwords before the watershed, including during a Mrs Brown’s Boys skit with former JLS star Aston Merrygold.

One viewer said: “The worst Red Nose Day I’ve ever watched. Not one funny sketch and two different ‘comedians’ swearing before watershed. Disgusting.”

A skit involving Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid, in which she was jokingly interviewed by Reeves and Bob Mortimer in character as The Stotts, drew negative comments.

An average of 6.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the programme and it scored a peak of 7.6 million. The amount raised so far has reached £73m. The BBC said the show was broadcast in a live studio and would help many people.