Race storm as BBC presenter says: “Go and do the black and Asian show”

Iain Lee was on the BBC Three Counties Radio breakfast show on Friday morning when he was having a mock row with producer Paul Scoins.

But the banter took a racial twist when Mr Scoins said that he was leaving the studio during the argument.

After making chicken noises, Mr Lee said: “Go on. Go on. Go back to the Black and Asian show.

“Bye bye. Bye bye. Bye bye.”

Navrita Atwal, chief executive of Milton Keynes Equality Council, said: “We have listened to the audio of the show and are concerned that programmes aimed at the Black and Asian community are being dismissed as less significant or important than others by the comment ‘Go on and do your Black and Asian show’.

“We appreciate that there may be banter between the presenter and producer of the programme, but the presenter should have shown sensitivity to the impact that such comments may have on listeners.

“We will be in touch with the BBC to express our concern.”

Iain Lee has presented on Three Counties Radio since 2012, broadcasting across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. He may be best known for his television work, including The 11 O’Clock Show, RI:SE, and Channel 5’s Big Brother UK spin-off show Bit On The Psych.

A BBC Three Counties Radio spokesperson said: ‘We have spoken to Iain and made clear to him that these comments are unacceptable. He accepts this and has apologised. We apologise for any offence caused.’

What do you think? Listen to the show at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p023n833 from 2 hours 42 minutes, and then email your thoughts to [email protected]