Viewers like repeats says BBC boss

THE BBC ‘ should make no apology’ for showing repeats at Christmas, a senior executive said yesterday.

Mark Linsey, acting director of television, claimed viewers liked repeats, saying: ‘Many people appreciate – or even expect – a chance to watch old favourites again. Five million tuned in to a repeat of Mrs Brown’s Boys last year.

‘We should make no apology for giving viewers another chance to watch some classic BBC programmes and modern family favourites again, as long as they are used carefully and offered alongside a distinctive mix of new programmes.’

After complaints that the BBC shows too many repeats over Christmas, Mr Linsey said BBC1 would show fewer reruns in primetime this year. ‘I can promise that ... more than 90 per cent of programmes will be new,’ he said.