By Daily Mail Reporter http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1161488/BBC-presenter-hot-water-comparing-Sri-Lankan-born-newsreader-George-Alagiah-chimp.html
The BBC was slammed today after a presenter asked viewers if they could see any likeness between senior newsreader George Alagiah and a chimp.
Chris Eakin was discussing a story about a primate when he made the remark as millions of licence-payers watched across the UK.
It was during a review of the national newspapers screened at the end of the ten o' clock bulletin on the BBC News 24 channel.
BBC presenter Chris Eakin (left) asked viewers if they could see any likeness between senior newsreader George Alagiah (right) and a chimp
It had featured a story on a chimpanzee from Furuvik Zoo in Sweden, who collected stones to throw at visitors.
But it was then Eakin asked 'can you see any likeness?' before handing back to veteran newsreader and OBE-holder George Alagiah, 53.
The well-respected six o' clock news anchor, born in Sri Lanka, initially looked a little surprised before attempting to laugh off the comment.
But today a watchdog and a race equality spokesman hit out at the corporation in disbelief that it had allowed the remark to air.
John Beyer, chairman of Mediawatch, said the content should never have been broadcasted.
He said: 'I think this clearly points to the fact that people have to be careful what they say.
'For it to be transmitted is inappropriate, I think it's careless and shows people have to guard against things like this.'
His thoughts were echoed by TUC Race Equality Officer Wilf Sullivan, who said he understood why viewers may have been taken aback.
Santino, the stone-throwing chimp Eakin was referring to, at Furuvik Zoo in Sweden
He said: 'I can see why people might have taken offence by it.
'Even if it was a light-hearted piece, this is supposed to be a serious news programme.
'Because there is this anti-political correctness thing going on at the moment, people seem to have got the idea they can say or do anything.
'It sounds like something that somebody should have had a bit of an eagle eye on.
'If he was doing it in a way to refer to George then it would be a bit out of order.'
The comment was made at 10.25pm on Monday night in the news review, which happens at the end of the ten o' clock news.
BBC bosses insisted they had only received one complaint about what had happened but Mr Eakin was moved to stress there were no other intended overtones to the remark.
In a statement released by the broadcaster, he said he would be horrified if the banter between pals was interpreted incorrectly.
He said: 'This was a light-hearted comment with absolutely no other intended overtones.
'I know George did not interpret it as anything other than that.
'George and I are old friends and I'd be horrified if anyone has interpreted this in any other way.
'I regret if I have unintentionally caused any offence.'
George Alagiah said: 'Chris Eakin has spoken to me privately and I have accepted his apology.
'He fell into one of those pitfalls of live TV - the banter that goes horribly wrong. I think it was unfortunate and inappropriate and I can see why may it have troubled some people watching the programme.'
This is just the latest in a series of BBC bungles, which have seen public opinion of the broadcaster waver.
Just months ago Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand left offensive messages on Andrew Sachs's answerphone about his granddaughter on a Radio 2 show.
More than 42,000 people complained and BBC bosses carried out a review and suspended Ross without pay for three months. Brand made a public apology and resigned.http://samotalis.blogspot.com/
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