Latest news with #CarryOn
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ofcom accused of censorship in Carry On free speech row
Ofcom has been accused of censorship by TV bosses in a deepening free speech row over classic comedy. Campaigners have accused the regulator of creating a 'culture of fear' through its rules on language and offence in golden oldie favourites such as Please Sir! and the Carry On series. They argue that the overly stringent rules and the fear of being subjected to a crippling fine amount to censorship. While Ofcom does not operate a blacklist of banned words and phrases, TV bosses have complained they are hostages to an arbitrary and ever-changing set of guidelines. Ofcom has insisted it is not a censor and earlier this month issued a statement insisting broadcasters had editorial freedom to decide what they air. But Jonathan Moore, chief executive of RewindTV, said Ofcom's response 'blatantly ignores' the reality of broadcasting and urged the regulator to 'come clean' about how much pressure it puts on small channels. He said: 'Many broadcasters live in permanent fear of falling foul of Ofcom guidelines – small companies could fold if they're hit with a fine and so, inevitably, they are forced to take a 'safety-first' approach when it comes to censorship. 'That means more and more content ends up cut, damaging the authenticity of classic shows needlessly.' Mr Moore called on the regulator to update its guidelines to recognise the importance of protecting classic British shows. One proposed change is a 'presumption of innocence' that would exempt broadcasters from punishment if they show material that is deemed offensive, but would ensure Ofcom has the power to take action against repeat offenders. Campaigners have previously suggested that classic comedy should be granted an exemption from modern broadcasting rules because of their cultural and historical significance in the same way that vintage cars are exempt from road tax and VAT. They have also said they are willing to show a 'trigger warning' before any programme starts to alert viewers to potentially outdated content. RewindTV is among a small number of channels – which also includes Talking Pictures TV and That's TV – that have built up modest but loyal audiences through their slate of nostalgic hits. However, the prevalence of old-fashioned language, themes and viewpoints in these films and TV programmes has triggered a clash with regulators. TV executives acknowledge that some viewpoints have no place in the modern age. But they argue that Ofcom's guidance on specific words is 'little more than a lottery'. For example, in a recent broadcast of 1983 comedy-drama Brass starring Timothy West, the word 'queer' was cut but its synonyms 'nancy boys' and 'pansies' were left in. Mr Moore argued that viewers should be granted greater authority to decide what they consider offensive. He said: 'The sort of people tuning in to RewindTV comedies are likely to know what they're going to get in terms of content, and the rules should reflect that. 'The chances of our viewers being upset by shows such as Doctor in the House or Carry On Laughing are small – they are far more likely to take umbrage at the sort of adult language that is now the norm on mainstream broadcasters. 'But it's not appropriate for us to dictate to those broadcasters' audiences any more than it is appropriate for others to dictate to our audience.' A spokesman for Ofcom said: 'Ofcom is not a censor. Freedom of expression is at the heart of our broadcasting rules – and these rules do not prevent the broadcast of content that may be offensive or controversial to some audiences. 'Each broadcaster has editorial freedom to decide the type of programmes or films it airs.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ofcom accused of censorship in Carry On free speech row
Ofcom has been accused of censorship by TV bosses in a deepening free speech row over classic comedy. Campaigners have accused the regulator of creating a 'culture of fear' through its rules on language and offence in golden oldie favourites such as Please Sir! and the Carry On series. They argue that the overly stringent rules and the fear of being subjected to a crippling fine amount to censorship. While Ofcom does not operate a blacklist of banned words and phrases, TV bosses have complained they are hostages to an arbitrary and ever-changing set of guidelines. Ofcom has insisted it is not a censor and earlier this month issued a statement insisting broadcasters had editorial freedom to decide what they air. But Jonathan Moore, chief executive of RewindTV, said Ofcom's response 'blatantly ignores' the reality of broadcasting and urged the regulator to 'come clean' about how much pressure it puts on small channels. He said: 'Many broadcasters live in permanent fear of falling foul of Ofcom guidelines – small companies could fold if they're hit with a fine and so, inevitably, they are forced to take a 'safety-first' approach when it comes to censorship. 'That means more and more content ends up cut, damaging the authenticity of classic shows needlessly.' Mr Moore called on the regulator to update its guidelines to recognise the importance of protecting classic British shows. One proposed change is a 'presumption of innocence' that would exempt broadcasters from punishment if they show material that is deemed offensive, but would ensure Ofcom has the power to take action against repeat offenders. Campaigners have previously suggested that classic comedy should be granted an exemption from modern broadcasting rules because of their cultural and historical significance in the same way that vintage cars are exempt from road tax and VAT. They have also said they are willing to show a 'trigger warning' before any programme starts to alert viewers to potentially outdated content. RewindTV is among a small number of channels – which also includes Talking Pictures TV and That's TV – that have built up modest but loyal audiences through their slate of nostalgic hits. However, the prevalence of old-fashioned language, themes and viewpoints in these films and TV programmes has triggered a clash with regulators. TV executives acknowledge that some viewpoints have no place in the modern age. But they argue that Ofcom's guidance on specific words is 'little more than a lottery'. For example, in a recent broadcast of 1983 comedy-drama Brass starring Timothy West, the word 'queer' was cut but its synonyms 'nancy boys' and 'pansies' were left in. Mr Moore argued that viewers should be granted greater authority to decide what they consider offensive. He said: 'The sort of people tuning in to RewindTV comedies are likely to know what they're going to get in terms of content, and the rules should reflect that. 'The chances of our viewers being upset by shows such as Doctor in the House or Carry On Laughing are small – they are far more likely to take umbrage at the sort of adult language that is now the norm on mainstream broadcasters. 'But it's not appropriate for us to dictate to those broadcasters' audiences any more than it is appropriate for others to dictate to our audience.' A spokesman for Ofcom said: 'Ofcom is not a censor. Freedom of expression is at the heart of our broadcasting rules – and these rules do not prevent the broadcast of content that may be offensive or controversial to some audiences. 'Each broadcaster has editorial freedom to decide the type of programmes or films it airs.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Barbara Windsor's widower defends romance with her EastEnders co-star as he admits he still ‘wakes in terror'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAME Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell has spoken out to defend his relationship with her former EastEnders co-star Tanya Franks. Scott, 60, who was married to the Carry On icon for 20 years until her death from Alzheimer's disease in 2020, said he 'still wakes in terror' without her. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell has defended his relationship with her former EastEnders co-star Tanya Franks Credit: Rex But he insists Barbara would have given her blessing for his new romance with Tanya, 56. The couple went public with their relationship last year, having grown close while campaigning together for dementia awareness following Barbara's diagnosis. Tanya, best known for playing Rainie Cross in the BBC soap, worked with Barbara on EastEnders before her health began to decline. Speaking to Kate Thornton on her White Wine Question Time podcast, Scott admitted: 'I still wake in terror. I still have moments - this morning I was quite emotional - where I just miss her. "That doesn't change. I think it will be with me forever.' He added: 'I would like to believe she would be happy that someone was there by my side and that I wasn't on my own. She always used to say to me, 'I never want you to be on your own.'' Scott also revealed that despite public support, there had been some backlash to his relationship with Tanya - and he felt compelled to respond to those who criticised him for moving on. He said: 'There was a bit of, 'Oh he's moved on too fast.' And you just think, 'How dare you?' People don't know the pain. They don't know what the grief has been." Scott and Tanya initially bonded through their work with the Alzheimer's Society and were close friends for years before their relationship turned romantic. Barbara, who played the iconic Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders, was diagnosed in 2014 but kept the news private until 2018. Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell praises new partner Tanya Frank for supporting him as she describes how romance grew naturally She died in December 2020 aged 83, with Scott by her side. He has since become a prominent campaigner for dementia awareness and was awarded an MBE in 2022 for his efforts. Reflecting on his ongoing grief, Scott said: 'I don't think anyone ever gets over a loss of someone they love so deeply. "I think we find ways of carrying them with us, and that's what I try to do every day.' Scott and Tanya previously appeared together on This Morning to raise awareness of dementia and campaign for vital research. The recruitment consultant told host Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: 'We forged an incredible friendship over the four years and something wonderful blossomed out of it... 'The exact opposite of what dementia is. I'm very fortunate that I have a partner that doesn't mind me speaking about my late wife.' Tanya joined Scott in fundraising after her step father Derek went through a similar thing. She said: 'I can do nothing but support him in talking about it. You often feel alone in it when you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's... 'The communication allowed the support system to grow. Barbara is as much about the legacy of Alzheimer's as it is me going through it with my step father. It is hundreds of thousands that we've raised from doing the three marathons.' Scott went on to reveal he would take part in another marathon – but there were certain conditions. He said: 'If for next year's marathon someone would like to give a million pounds, a big company or sponsor, I will do another marathon and shave my hair off as well, and that is the big one, shaving my hair off.' 4 He insists Barbara would have given her blessing for his new romance Credit: Getty 4 Scott and Barbara were married from 2000 until her death in 2020 Credit: Rex
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Barbara Windsor's widower still 'wakes in panic' after star's Alzheimer's death
Scott Mitchell opens up on effect caring for the late EastEnders legend still has on him, her legacy and his own cancer scare One of the most joyful stars to grace TV screens, it's no surprise that Barbara Windsor 's light continues to shine brightly more than four years after her death. Millions mourned the EastEnders and Carry On favourite's passing from Alzheimer's at 83 in December 2020. And while Dame Barbara may have gone, she's certainly not forgotten – as her widower carries on campaigning for dementia research, treatment and care in her name. 'She'd be incredibly proud now to know that her name is still helping people,' says Scott Mitchell, 62, at the home they once shared in London. He talks about the amazing legacy Barbara has left, the lasting effect her death has had on him as he still struggles to sleep five years on – and finding love again with former EastEnders actress Tanya Franks. Scott leads the government-backed Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme and wants a meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to push for further action. 'I'm very proud of the lady she was and the mark that she's left,' smiles Scott, speaking ahead of Dementia Action Week. 'I always joke and say, 'She won't only be remembered for a bra flying off in Carry On Camping or telling people to get out of her pub'. There's a new legacy for Barbara Windsor. And that is the world of dementia, helping people, and that's very important.' The actress who played Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2014. Watching her fade away over six years was incredibly tough for Scott. 'You're powerless against it,' he explains. 'It's a much bigger force and presence than we are. You watch someone you love slowly being taken away. Everything they stood for is stripped away. You see them reverting back to childhood. 'You will do things as a carer for your loved one that maybe you should never have to do in their lives. Personal care. And that's the hard part. Not being able to do anything about it. That's what has always pushed me with the campaigning. That's what drives me.' Together for 27 years, Scott and Barbara got married in 2000. Eyebrows were raised over their 26-year age gap but they proved the doubters wrong. 'It would be impossible for me not to miss her,' says Scott. 'However, I also look at the fact that Barbara led an incredible life. And some! And she most likely lived 10 lives over compared to the rest of us. 'Before she had dementia, she would say to me, 'When I die, be broken hearted, please. I want you to cry your eyes out. But then you promise me that you have the best life ever. Because that's what I did'. 'The fact that we had 27 years together anyway was the most incredible thing. It shouldn't have worked but we did spend this incredible life together. 'Now when I look back, I feel blessed for the time we spent together. Barbara changed my life in so many ways.' Scott says Barbara would have wanted him to find love again and two years ago he began a relationship with her co-star Tanya Franks, 57, who played Rainie Cross in the soap. 'I'm incredibly happy,' he says. 'Me being unhappy and alone is not going to bring Barbara back. Life is very much for the living and we all get one shot at living. Of course, there's always someone on the internet, who's going to say, 'Oh, it didn't take him long.' 'Well, maybe they forget the fact that Barbara's illness possibly started initially 10 years before she passed so you're grieving while they're alive. You lose them while they're alive. I didn't feel guilty because I knew I had Barbara's blessing because of what she'd always said to me. 'Tanya is a wonderful lady. She's very private. She's not how Barbara was in that respect. Barbara was an open book. Barbara told you every detail about her life. Tanya has no interest in celebrity. She is a very good actress. At the moment, she's appearing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon in Much Ado About Nothing. 'I don't compare the two ladies. They're very different and I have love for both of them. I wouldn't be with anyone who wasn't truly lovely.' But Scott still has problems sleeping from being his late wife's carer for so long. 'I've never recovered from my sleep from when I was caring for Barbara,' he explains. I'll fall asleep at 11 but I can be waking up through the night. "I was so aware of when she used to get up in the night because she used to have falls in the night. So I never really used to sleep. I used to constantly be alert. My awareness was so acute that my sleeping pattern got completely out of sync and it never really recovered. 'The impact it has on the family and carers is something that should never be estimated. That's the kind of hangover that I've got from it still nearly five years later. 'There are times when I wake up and I panic because I think, is she OK? Like I used to. I have to talk to myself and say, 'it's OK. She's at peace'. It's a lot less than it used to be now.' Scott suffered his own health scare recently when a biopsy revealed that skin damage on his nose was pre-cancerous. Diagnosed with actinic keratosis, a condition that appears as scaly, rough patches on skin, it's caused by sun damage and can potentially develop into cancer if left untreated. 'My sunbathing days are over,' he says. 'It has to be Factor 50 every day. When we're in the height of the summer I'll be wearing a hat and clothes, which will be torture for me.' An acting agent and huge EastEnders fan, Scott praised the soap's 'sensitive' dementia storyline and says Barbara would have loved its recent 40th celebrations. He said the show changed both of their lives after she joined in 1994. 'It was a year after I'd met Barbara and she was having a really tough time and had a huge debt,' he says. Accused of being after her money when they got together, Scott scoffs: 'She had a million pound debt, I would have been the worst gold digger in the United Kingdom 's history.' Now nobody questions his mission to beat dementia in her name. Last year he was appointed People's Champion for the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission and addressed scientists, NHS chiefs and tech bosses at 10 Downing Street. 'I thought of Barbara and I thought of my dad who I lost 18 months before Barbara,' he recalls. 'And I thought to myself, 'If you could see me now'. 'I left school with no qualifications and here I am at the heart of government, telling my story. It was the most amazing 'pinch me' moment.' Scott, an ambassador of Alzheimer's Research UK, has helped bring in more than £250,000 running three marathons and secured £200million in government funding. 'Our programme is about speeding up treatments, trials, getting new treatments to patients faster,' he says. 'The odds of finding a cure in my generation are highly unlikely. But maybe future generations will not go through the painful experiences that we have been through. Treatments are going to get better and better. We now know you can drastically start slowing this down – now that is incredible.' With dementia our biggest killer, Scott says there is more to be done. Having met Wes Streeting just before the General Election, he is hoping to sit down with him again to push for further action. 'I appreciate the many pressures facing the NHS and the range of issues the Secretary of State is seeking to address right now,' he says. "However, it's important to recognise that the impact of dementia is driving many of these pressures. Breakthroughs in science mean we have an opportunity to change this but it will require leadership from the government. 'I'm concerned that right now dementia doesn't have sufficient prominence in the national debate about the future of the health service despite the fact it remains the UK's biggest killer. 'I'm really keen to work with Wes Streeting to address this and want to meet with him soon to discuss a way forward. 'If Barbara's name can help generations in the future – by bringing awareness, or finding a cure one day, or bringing out treatments – then I will keep doing it.' Dementia Action Week starts on Monday and Alzheimer's Research UK's Walk For A Cure campaign is organising 5k walks.
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
TV legend is says she's spilling the beans with tell-all memoir as she turns 90
The Carry On and Coronation Street legend has promises a no holds barred look back at her seven-decades career on stage and screen because she now feels free to do so 'without fear or favour' Coronation Street legend Amanda Barrie is finally lifting the lid on her extraordinary life in a tell-all autobiography as she turns 90 – and she promises: "I will hold nothing back.' The legendary actress – best known for playing Alma Baldwin in Coronation Street and Cleopatra in the Carry On films – says she's 'finally ready to tell everything' in I'm Still Here, which hits shelves this September, just days before she turns 90. She teases that the bombshell memoir will be filled with secrets, scandal, and stories from her glittering seven-decade career on stage and screen. Amanda laughs: 'If I manage not to fall off the twig before September I shall have been 'here' for 90 extraordinary years. More than anything this means I now say and do exactly what I like. When and where I like. And so, as I write my unexpurgated life story, I at last feel free to do so without fear or favour." Born amid the chaos of World War II, Amanda ran away from home aged just 13 to become a Soho showgirl – the first daring step in a remarkable life that would eventually see her crowned a true national treasure. Her memoir will chart her rise from those wild early days to becoming a household name, starring in everything from the cheeky Carry On films to Bad Girls, and even making a splash in the Celebrity Big Brother house. But it's not just the glitz and glamour Amanda's ready to talk about. For the first time, the star will open up about her deeply personal journey – including falling in love with her now-wife, acclaimed novelist Hilary Bonner, who is also ghostwriting the book. Amanda reveals the pain of growing up as a young gay woman in an era when homosexuality was still illegal for men, and the 'heart-wrenching' choice to keep her sexuality private for most of her life. 'I have 90 years to share: 90 years of joy and sorrow, triumph and disaster, love and loss, laughter and tears,' she says. 'Ninety years of watching the world change around me beyond my wildest imagination. And I will hold nothing back.' Fergus McKenna, Managing Director of Mirror Books, said: 'It is an overused word but there's little doubt that Amanda Barrie is a legend in the world of show business. With more than 80 years of performing under her belt and a life lived under the glare of the spotlights, she has seen and done almost everything. And she's not afraid to share those stories in full for the first time.' Amanda Barrie's autobiography I'm Still Here is out September 2025. Click here to preorder the book.
