BBC Receives Almost 200 Complaints Over Peter Kay's Car Share Special

On Good Friday, the BBC released an audio only special of Peter Kay's Car Share, which the comedian hoped would 'cheer people up' during lockdown.

However, by the end of the Easter weekend, 175 people had contacted the BBC's executive complaints unit (ECU) about a joke relating to breastfeeding in the episode, the broadcaster confirmed.

The joke in question arose as John (Peter Kay) and Kayleigh (Sian Gibson) chatted about children's soft play areas, with the latter mentioning that she'd once seen a mum breastfeed a three-year-old in public.

When John asked how she knew he was three, Kayleigh replied 'he had balloons', to which John responded: "Is that what you call them? Breastfeeding at three?"

"Swear down. Hanging off the t*t with his teeth in Timberland's," Kayleigh explained.

John then concluded: "There's a time and a place. I am surprised his mum wasn't in tears with a three-year-old gnawing at her, they have proper teeth at that age, she must have been in agony.

"They say breast is best but you have got to draw the line somewhere."

But while the 20-minute episode was designed to spread some cheer at this difficult time, for many people it had the opposite effect, with the dialogue above interpreted as adding to the stigma associated with public and extended breastfeeding:

Kay, 46, is undoubtedly trying to help the nation through the pandemic though, having announced earlier today (Sunday) that he will be recreating the '(Is This The Way To) Amarillo' music video for BBC's Big Night In charity show.

You can listen to the Car Share special now on BBC iPlayer.

Let's all bring some positivity, support and fun to anyone who might find themselves in isolation as a result of the coronavirus spread. Need some entertainment? Join Isolation Nation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coronasupport/

Topics: BBC, Peter Kay, UK Entertainment

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey