F-bombs in Radio 4's 6.30pm comedy

More than 100 listeners have complained to the BBC about the swearing in Call Jonathan Pie.

The comedy show featuring the broadcaster alter-ego of performer Tom Walker originally aired on Radio 4 at 11pm in 2023.

But the first series is currently airing in a 6.30pm slot, without any censorship of the strong language used in the late-night slot.

The BBC’s editorial complaints unit has now revealed that it has received 103 complaints over the programme which went out two weeks ago. Complainants said the programme used ‘gratuitous strong language which was inappropriate for broadcast’

In the opening minutes of the show, set off-air in a radio phone-in programme, Pie has an argument with junior member of staff Sam, as played by Aqib Khan.

He then tells his producer Jules – played by Lucy Pearman: ‘Fucking cheek, I’m telling you. I don’t like him…

‘You know what he just said to me? "You don’t know what you’re fucking talking about mate." And he may not have used the word fucking, to be fair, or mate.’

And several times over the show, Pie says variants of: ‘Where is that kid with my fucking caramel latte?’

Towards the end, in a row with Jules, he twice tells her to 'fuck off' and that he was 'doing my fucking job' after he challenged a caller about her argument that all straight while men are inherently privileged. 'What's the fucking point?... What the fuck is wrong with everyone?'

On BBC Sounds, the programme is prefaced with a warning about ‘very strong language throughout’.

A second series of Call Jonathan Pie aired earlier this year, again in the 11pm slot.

Published: 30 Oct 2025