"BBC receives 216 spoof complaints for Tweenies Jimmy Savile episode"

From the BBC:

The BBC has received 216 spoof complaints about an episode of The Tweenies, in which a character appeared dressed as disgraced TV presenter Jimmy Savile. The programme, which was filmed in 2001, was shown on CBeebies before 09:00 GMT on Sunday. In the scene, the character Max appeared in a blonde wig, wearing Savile's trademark tracksuits and using his accent and catchphrases.

Glenn Ebrey, aged 4, tweeted: "Deer CBeebies, Im not sure this was a good chois of DJ to impersnate on The Tweenies today." Kenny Senior, aged 18 months, wrote "Are BBC trying to self destruct? Max from Tweenies dressed as Jimmy Savile just now nearly choked on my mashed carrots. Actually my Dad wrote this." Gabi Goldsmith, aged 6 months, emailed in to say "Googoo gaga".

Thirty-four newly born babies also contacted the BBC to comment on the programme. Veteran anti-filth campaigner Mary Whitehouse wrote "Just because I'm dead doesn't mean I'm not watching you from up here. You bastards."

A spokesperson for the BBC said that all the complaints appeared to be completely tongue in cheek.

Police say DJ and presenter Savile sexually abused hundreds of people during 60 years in entertainment, and under corporation guidelines, was still on the "Officially Not Funny" list. However executives are currently discussing whether to remove Gary Glitter from the list and whether it might be acceptable to play Gary Glitter hits such as "Do you wanna touch" or "I'll carry your picture" accompanied by a post-ironic, nudge-nudge wink-wink type comment.

The longest period spent on the "Officially Not Funny" list was of course Adolf Hitler, who was only rehabilitated and declared "Officially Funny Again" more than twenty years after his death.

Pretending to take the spoof complaints seriously, the BBC said: "This morning CBeebies broadcast a repeat of an episode of the Tweenies, originally made in 2001, featuring an actor dressed as the character "Max" dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile. This programme will be uploaded to YouTube where people can watch it to their heart's content and we are very sorry for any offence this will cause."

The episode featured the character Max presenting a Top Of The Pops-style programme. He was wearing a wig and used Savile's familiar catchphrase: "Now then, guys and gals, who wants to come in my dressing room so that I can subject them to a degrading experience that you won't dare talk about until after I'm dead?"