But watchdog lets BBC off the hook

A viewer complained to the regulators after Nicholas Lyndhurst’s character Jimmy was seen swallowing a handful of prescription painkillers in an episode that aired in July.

In the show, he wakes up under their influence ‘in a mellow and relaxed mood’ and showing uncharacteristic tolerance of his children before drifting off again. And when he finally comes too he demonstrates no adverse side effects from the overdose.

The viewer complained that BBC One had been irresponsible in airing the scenes in a show going out at 7.30pm.

In its response, the BBC said Jimmy did not take the drugs for their effect but because, craving something sweet to eat, he thought the pills would have sugar in them. They argued his actions ‘scaled new heights of foolishness to his considerable embarrassment’, which meant his behaviour could not be seen as condoning or glamorising the abuse of drugs.

However, the BBC did accept that the scene was not appropriate for younger viewers and promised Ofcom that the episode would never again be broadcast again before its usual 8.30pm timeslot.

Issuing its ruling today, the watchdog said: ‘Ofcom recognises this was a comedy and therefore the scene was intended for humorous effect. Humour often derives from exaggerating a situation to the point of absurdity, but it is Ofcom’s view that where the content includes the abuse of drugs, particularly when the programme is broadcast at a time when younger children may be watching, broadcasters should exercise particular caution.

‘Ofcom considers that younger viewers may not appreciate the potential dangers of the behaviour portrayed in the scene in question, particularly given its portrayal in an amusing light and possible “fun” consequences.

‘We therefore welcome the BBC’s… assurances that it would not broadcast this episode again before 8.30pm. In light of this, Ofcom considers the matter resolved.’

Published: 10 Nov 2008