BBC issue statement after critics raise concerns over new Hey Duggee character
The show, aimed at five-year-olds, introduced racoon Wren and 'their' siblings when talking about different characters in the episode 'Sibling Badge'.
This prompted some viewers to believe the new character was non-binary, by the use of the pronoun 'their', with critics claiming the gender-neutral language was 'inappropriate' and 'confusing', The Telegraph reports.
A BBC spokesman said: 'We take our responsibility to our young audience and their families very seriously and take great to care that all content is appropriate. Everyone is welcome at CBeebies and in this case Wren the raccoon is not a non-binary character.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Telegraph
France ‘wanted its citizens to see Bayeux Tapestry for free at British Museum'
France reportedly demanded that its citizens be allowed to see the Bayeux Tapestry for free or at a discount when it goes on display at the British Museum next year. Last month, The Telegraph revealed that a deal had been reached for the 900-year-old textile artwork depicting the Norman Conquest of 1066 to be loaned to the British Museum French officials lobbied for their compatriots to be allowed to visit the London display for free, according to the Financial Times, but officials close to negotiations thought the idea was a 'try-on' and 'never going to happen'. French museums do not typically provide free entry in France itself. In return for the tapestry, George Osborne, the British Museum chairman, agreed to loan the Anglo-Saxon treasures of the Sutton Hoo burial, and the medieval Lewis Chessmen. French officials are said to have initially wanted to borrow the Rosetta Stone, arguably the most popular item in the British Museum's collection. The museum did not wish to part with the 2,100-year-old Ancient Egyptian artefact, and this idea fell by the wayside. The Rosetta Stone was discovered by French forces in 1799 during Napoleon's campaign in Egypt. It was being used by the local population to bolster a wall. The stone was seized by the British, at war with France at the time. Its inscription, deciphered by Jean-François Champollion, a French orientalist, showed scholars how to read Ancient Egyptian texts. The stone may have fitted with Emmanuel Macron's plans for the Bayeux Tapestry exchange, which is intended to demonstrate the bonds between Britain and France and a new spirit of co-operation. The tapestry is likely to bring in crowds comparable to the most popular shows in the British Museum 's history, which drew hundreds of thousands of visitors. A British Museum spokesman said: 'As our chairman George Osborne has said, this will be the blockbuster show of our generation. This is an object of such historical significance for the UK that we want as many people as possible to have the chance to see it.' The deal on the tapestry, which is to be moved next year, came after plans first announced in 2018 by Theresa May, the prime minister at the time. She hoped to secure a loan for the tapestry, but this was repeatedly put off because of concerns over the delicate condition of the embroidery and the risk of moving it.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing start date confirmed and there's not long to wait
Strictly Come Dancing start date confirmed and there's not long to wait The BBC have revealed when Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens later this year Strictly Come Dancing start date confirmed and there's not long to wait (Image: BBC) With the Strictly Come Dancing line-up slowly being announced, fans are anxious to know when the series will return to screens. After revealing Ellie Goldstein as the latest celebrity to join the line-up on BBC Breakfast, host Jon Kay confirmed the start date. He told viewers: "Strictly starts on the 20th September." Just moments before Jon let slip the start date for Strictly, both he and Sarah Campbell had welcomed Ellie onto the red sofa. Ellie is a trailblazing model, actor and influencer, who in 2023 made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. Her modelling career has also seen Ellie appear on the covers of Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag and Euphoria magazines, and she has featured in huge campaigns for brands such as Gucci Beauty and Adidas. Two years ago Ellie partnered with Mattel to launch the first ever Barbie with Down syndrome, and more recently her acting has taken centre stage, with a guest lead role in CBBC's Mallory Towers. Speaking about joining the BBC series, Ellie said: "I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. Article continues below "It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream. I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!' Ellie also told Jon and Sarah she was keen to be partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing star celebrates 'one of the most special moments' after 'tough' year
Strictly Come Dancing star celebrates 'one of the most special moments' after 'tough' year The BBC star was showered in support for the heartwarming post. Strictly Come Dancing star Janette Manrara has been showered in support from fans and friends after sharing an adorable post. The It Takes Two host became a professional dancer on the beloved BBC competition in 2013, and paired with the likes of Jake Wood and Peter Andre over the years before she stepped down in 2021 and went on to co-host the spin-off chatshow. Janette married fellow Strictly dancer Alijaz Skorjanec in 2017, and they welcomed their daughter Lyra Rose in July 2023. Keeping fans updated with snippets from her personal life on Instagram, Janette shared a heartwarming post today (Tuesday 12 August) of herself and Lyra in matching outfits from her performance as Roxie Hart in Chicago. Janette and Alijaz married in 2017 and welcomed their daughter in 2023 (Image: BBC/Guy Levy) In a series of snaps of the mother-daughter duo on stage in their black lace gowns, Janette said it was 'one of the most special moments of my life so far', saying she'd particularly cherish the moment after having a 'tough year' working away from home. She wrote: 'One of the most special moments of my life so far. Having Lyra wearing an exact replica of my 'Roxie Hart' dress made by the wonderful @rodgesmartin who's been a part of @chicagoonstage for years and years' She went on: 'Thank you both so much!! It was a gift for Lyra, but my heart will cherish this moment and this gift deeply for the rest of my life. 'I hope when she gets older, she'll one day feel proud of her mommy. Content cannot be displayed without consent 'It's been a tough year as away from home a lot, but moments like these remind me of the magic of being able to perform, and how wonderful it is to share these kind of moments w/ my little girl.' 'Omg so cute,' fellow Strictly pro and reigning champion Dianne Buswell said, while Oti Mabuse commented: 'So adorable.' 'Well this is the cutest thing ever,' another fan said, as one also wrote: 'OH MY HEART baby Roxie is toooo cute!!! A core memory for life!!x.' Janette has previously spoken about juggling work commitments with her personal and family life, and opened up about 'mum guilt'. Janette and Alijaz have shared adorable updates of Lyra meeting the Strictly family on their social media (Image: Janette Manrara Instagram) "It's hard, and you have to really kind of manage your time and prioritise family. Coming from someone like me who loves what I do and loves my job, I have really felt that I have found a good balance, but that also stems from having a good partner,' she told The Mirror earlier this year. 'You need to have someone by your side that has the same kind of attitude as you do, that they love to work, but they also love to be a parent. 'Then between the two of you, that communication, that teamwork, prioritising the baby and making sure that you know they are the forefront of any decision you make as a family, is there.' Article continues below Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer in September.
