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Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
‘Highly offensive' ITV comedy returning to screens for brand new series despite sparking Ofcom complaints and major controversy from shocked viewers
A 'highly offensive' ITV comedy is returning to screens for a brand new series, despite sparking Ofcom complaints and major controversy from shocked viewers. Piglets, which follows a ragtag bunch of police recruits and their trainers at training college, is set to make a comeback, after the first six-part series was released in July last year. Filming of the new six episodes has already started and will see many cast members return, including Friday Night Dinner's Mark Heap and Mistresses' Sarah Parish as two of the superintendents in charge. With series one viewed a whopping 5.6million times, it is one of the biggest comedies for on-demand platform ITVX. But despite this, it is seen by many as highly controversial, with the Police Federation of England and Wales describing the programme's title - based on the derogatory slang for police, 'pig' - as 'highly offensive'. Tiffany Lynch, acting national chair for the organisation representing more than 145,000 officers, said in July last year: 'It is a disgusting choice of language to use for the title of a TV programme. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the 'I find it incredulous that this has passed through checks and balances at an organisation made up of people who at any time have or may need the support and assistance of the police. 'Our colleagues are working hard and keeping people safe under relentless negative pressure at the moment. Insulting our new in-service officers is unhelpful. 'The name of this show is also inflammatory against a landscape of rising threats and violence against officers. 'We should not be put at further risk for viewing numbers, our officers deserve respect not humiliation for the job they are undertaking. 'It is actually incredibly dangerous to incite more negativity and misinformation against a public sector service that's already under so much pressure.' The federation's CEO Mukund Krishna added: 'The programme's title is an insult to our brave and hard-working members. 'At a time when the service is fighting to attract and retain officers, ITV's actions are totally undermining. 'The Federation will be writing to Ofcom and ITV to register its disgust and demanding a change.' But despite this, it is seen by many as highly controversial. Pictured: Series one In just the single week after the release of Piglets, more than 100 people complained about it to Ofcom. The 106 concerns raised with the broadcast regulator similarly claimed the show, particularly the title, was disrespectful to the police. But some former officers, even, did not agree with the contention, taking to social media at the time of the Police Federation's comments last year to blast its strong criticism of the programme. One, with 30 years experience as a police officer, said: 'Do get a grip. It's a comedy. Focus on issues that really affect your members.' Another added: 'Very good. You have bigger fish to fry than that. 'Unless and until the governance issues are rectified, your members really don't need you to focus on anything else. It's looking pretty poor from out here.' Someone else with experience in the force said: 'It's just a comedy show. I was called far worse. 'You should be fighting for equality and fighting to rectify the mistakes you made over the pension scheme not getting involved in TV programmes.' Some former officers, even, did not agree with the contention, taking to social media (pictured) at the time of the Police Federation's comments last year to blast its strong criticism of the programme An ITV spokesperson said at the time: 'Piglets is a fictional new comedy about a police training academy and the title is not intended to cause any offence, it's a comedic and endearing play on words to emphasise the innocence and youth of our young trainees.' The upcoming second series will see Colin McFarlane, Rebecca Humphries and Ricky Champ all reprise their roles as part of the training college staff. The recruits themselves will also be returning, played by Halema Hussain, Abdul Sessay, Jamie Bisping and Sukh Kaur Ojla. Two new trainees will also be joining the cast, played by Kerr Logan and Madelyn Smedley - the latter having starred in series one of The Traitors. She posted on Instagram yesterday to announce her addition to the cast: 'Over the moon, going to be playing Danni in Piglets series two. Bring it on.' This series' antics will see Mark and Sarah's characters, Superintendents Bob Weekes and Julie Spry, battle to save their jobs. A trainee wedding, an exciting rooftop chase and antics on an anger management course will round out the instalment. British comedy writer Victoria Pile - known for early noughties sketch show Smack the Pony and hospital sitcom Green Wing - will co-direct, produce and co-write the series. Channel 5's Ellis (pictured) follows DCI Ellis, as she delves into complex investigations in the north of England with DS Harper by her side ITV posted to Instagram yesterday announcing the show's return - and fans took to the comments section, largely excited to see it back. 'Look forward to watching this. Really enjoyed it, reminded me of some people I have worked with.'; 'Can't wait to see!'; 'Well done, loved the first series.' It comes after the future of an 'excellent' British police drama that has been compared to Vera was confirmed. Channel 5's Ellis follows DCI Ellis, as she delves into complex investigations in the north of England with DS Harper by her side. Award-winning actress Sharon D Clarke, 58, who last year starred in the stage musical Wicked, plays the lead character and is joined by Andrew Gower, 35. The first season, consisting of three two-hour episodes, premiered back in 2024 and was a hit with fans. It has now been confirmed there will be a second instalment of the detective series and filming is set to commence next month. Sharon, who has won three Olivier Awards, described how 'thrilled' she was to be returning as Ellis. MailOnline contacted the Police Federation for comment at the time of its statement on the show and officers' criticisms of them for releasing it.
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
‘Highly offensive' ITV show set for second series despite police backlash
A 'highly offensive' ITV comedy show is set to return for a second series despite receiving backlash from the police. Piglets, which follows a group of new police recruits as they train, will officially be returning to our screens. Starring Superintendents Bob Weekes (Mark Heap) and Julie Spry (Sarah Parish), the show originally caused huge controversy. The Police Federation of England and Wales described the show's title – which is based on the slang term 'pig' for police – as being 'highly offensive'. It also received a number of Ofcom complaints from viewers when it aired. Now, however, after pulling in 5.6million views for its six episodes, the show is heading for a second outing. Both Mark and Sarah will reprise their roles as Bob and Julie, as Colin McFarlane, Rebecca Humphries, Ricky Champ, Halema Hussain, Abdul Sessay and Jamie Bisping will also all feature. Joining the cast will also be Madelyn Smedlyn, who featured in series 2 of The Traitors on BBC. In a statement, Nana Hughes, ITV's Head of Comedy, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to bring back the attention-grabbing Piglets for a second series on ITV.' This comes after it was revealed that a 'ridiculous' TV show that never aired in the UK due to the October 7 attack will finally be released two years on. In September 2023, the Australian series C*A*U*G*H*T was released. The six-part series followed four Australian soldiers trapped after a secret mission to the war-torn Behati-Prinsloo, where they are mistaken for American spies and have no way home after their government abandons them. In a press release, the broadcaster shared the show's synopsis, adding that it 'unapologetically pokes fun at modern celebrity culture, social media and 24-hour news while exploring the often outrageous price of fame'. After watching the show, many fans weighed in. More Trending 'Acting and scripting is perfect for a slapstick comedy such as this,' Rohan posted on IMDB. 'If you are easily offended or shocked this is probably not for you. On one level it is silly crude slapstick, but there are lots of little clever jokes hidden away,' rijobe shared. 'Don't be a snob and go into this thinking it is full of great performances and amazing storylines. That is not what it is trying to be. It's a crazy Aussie fever dream and is not trying to be anything else,' Suzie wrote. View More » Piglets will be available to watch on ITV. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Lorraine viewers annoyed by 'more irritating than normal' interview MORE: ITV confirms 2025's Britain's Got Talent live final will be longer than most movies MORE: I'm addicted to David Tennant's 'impossible' game show – despite its critics
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Controversial ITV comedy to return as Traitors star joins cast
ITV has revealed that its controversial sitcom Piglets will be back on our screens after making its debut last year despite backlash about its 'offensive' title ITV has announced the return of its police sitcom Piglets, with one particular Traitors star set to join the cast. The comedy follows a group of police recruits as they begin training under the leadership of hopeless Superintendent Bob Weekes (Mark Heap) and ambitious Superintendent Julie Spry (Sarah Parish). The series proved to be controversial ahead of its launch in July last year, with the Police Federation of England and Wales calling it "highly offensive" over its title. The group described the show's title - based on the slang term for police which is 'pig' - as "insulting" and "inflammatory" at the time. The show is set to return for a second series however after reaching 5.6 million views across its six episodes since launching. Sarah Parish and Mark Heap will reprise their roles alongside Colin McFarlane, Rebecca Humphries, Ricky Champ, Halema Hussain, Abdul Sessay, Jamie Bisping and Sukh Kaur Ojla. Meanwhile, Traitors star Madelyn Smedlyn will be joining the cast as new trainee Danni alongside Game of Thrones star Kerr Logan - who also has a connection to the BBC show. While Madelyn competed on the first series of The Traitors, Kerr's mum Diane Carson was one of the standout stars of the second series. ITV 's Head of Comedy, Nana Hughes, said in a statement: "We are absolutely thrilled to bring back the attention-grabbing Piglets for a second series on ITV." While creator Victoria Pile added: "We're delighted ITV have given us the chance to explore the latest antics of our talented would-be cops!" The news follows ITV's latest cuts to its daytime staff, with over 220 employees reportedly set to lose their jobs out of 500 working on Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women. ITV announced this week that Good Morning Britain will be produced by ITN - ITV's news provider - from next year with only 38 of the 113 staff being kept on. Meanwhile, Lorraine will only air for 30 weeks of the year, with its running time being slashed in half from 60 minutes to half an hour. GMB will instead be extended by an extra hour during the weeks when Lorraine is not on air. Insiders recently revealed to The Mirror that the cuts may lead to Lorraine Kelly quitting the show altogether, with the new schedule a "kick in the teeth" for the star.
