Gags really get BBC chiefs' goat

BBC chiefs have censored a scene from the Live Floor Show in which comic Brendon Burns simulated sex with a goat.

The crew on the flagship comedy show smuggled the animal into Burns's dressing room as a joke to salute the Australian stand-up's routine about a man who was prosecuted for bestiality.

Burns then shocked the team by giving the goat a full kiss, then beckon the animal between his legs.

A full two minutes of footage were shot, but BBC chiefs got cold feet and pulled it from Saturday night's broadcast at the eleventh hour.

One show insider told Chortle: "The decision to cut the scene was taken at the highest level just hours before the programme was due to be broadcast."

A very short extract did make it to air, but made little sense out of context.

The source added: "Onlookers were shocked as they watched him plant a full kiss on the goat's mouth."

Burns is a regular writer on the show, but this was his first appearance in front of the camera.

Published: 24 Feb 2003