'We have very clear expectations in relation to the use of social media'

The BBC has issued a formal response to Robin Ince’s decision to leave The Infinite Monkey Cage.

As Chortle was first to report at the weekend, the comedian says he felt compelled to leave the popular Radio 4 science show he has co-hosted with Professor Brian Cox for 16 years. 

The stand-up said bosses at BBC Studios had told him to tone down his social media posts on progressive issues – particularly trans rights – but he chose to put his principles before his job.

Supporters subsequently complained to the Corporation’s editorial standards unit that Ince had been forced out.

They have now issued a response, saying: ‘After 16 years, Robin Ince has made the decision to leave The Infinite Monkey Cage. We thank Robin for everything he’s done for the programme and wish him the very best for the future.

‘While we would not comment in detail on the circumstances relating to an individual, we have very clear expectations in relation to the use of social media for everyone working for the BBC, including freelancers.

'Robin is not subject to the same requirements for impartiality as BBC staff presenting flagship programmes, but all BBC staff and freelancers are required to respect civility in public discourse and not to bring the BBC into disrepute.’

Ince broke the news after the recording of his last programme at the Niamos Theatre in Manchester last Friday.

He told the audience: ‘Unfortunately, it’s been deemed that my off-air opinions, in terms of being supportive towards the trans community and various other things, the BBC have considered that not to be acceptable for a freelance BBC science presenter.

‘It's broken my heart to do this, and I'm sorry to put you in that awkward position, but I wanted to say, I wanted to tell the last audience I've ever seen about this, because I know it's the end of my radio career. 

‘I just wanted to say that I was inspired by my dad. My dad always believed in justice, and he believed in faith, and I believe that the world at the moment is going towards a very parlous state in terms of extremists and bigots, and fewer and fewer people seem to be able to stand up and say anything without losing their job or being pushed into silence.

‘I'm very lucky because I have a level of privilege, which means I am able to resign  from this job, and I am able now to, I hope, stand up and represent – whether it's people in the LGBTQ+ community, whether it's people on hunger strike in prisons, whether it is so many of the other groups that are maligned…'

He also quoted Sinead O'Connor saying ‘the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost’ and US civil rights activists James Baldwin, who said that ‘prejudice is just another word for cowardice’  and Audre Lorde, who said ‘the only regret she saw in her life were her silences’.

Ince added: ‘I don't want to have that regret, and it breaks my heart.’ 

Here is his speech: 

Ince’s recent social media posts have expressed support for those with ADHD (of which he is one); British Library workers taking industrial action; Palestinian Action campaigners on hunger strike – and criticism of anti-trans campaigners.

Published: 19 Dec 2025