The BBC was accused of using ‘unnecessary blasphemy’ on Christmas Day while promoting the long-awaited finale of Gavin and Stacey.
A social media post by BBC News Wales on the morning of Christmas Day ahead of the show that evening was introduced with the expression: ‘Oh my Christ! It’s almost over.’
The phrase ‘Oh my Christ’ is commonly used by the character Pam Shipman, played by Alison Steadman, the mother of Gavin, played by Matthew Horne.
But it led to an immediate backlash from some. One of those commenting on the Facebook post, Stephen Andrews, said: ‘Blasphemy was unnecessary ( the post would have read just as well without it), and inappropriate on Christmas Day.’
Meanwhile, Christine Powell posted: ‘No necessity for blasphemy any day. Someone should complain to the BBC.’
And another Facebook user, Priscilla Morgan, added: ‘Is it really necessary to blaspheme?’
Pauline Lawrence said: ‘Blasphemy on Christmas Day! Shame on you, BBC Wales News.’
Others questioned why the episode – which ended a five-year hiatus since the last one was broadcast in 2019 – merited a news post.
The phrase ‘Oh my Christ’ is commonly used by the character Pam Shipman (pictured), played by Alison Steadman, the mother of Gavin
A social media post by BBC News Wales on the morning of Christmas Day ahead of the show that evening was introduced with the expression: ‘Oh my Christ! It’s almost over’
Ruth Jones as Nessa (left) and James Corden as Smithy (right) in last night’s series finale. The episode was the most-watched programme on Christmas Day, attracting 12.5m viewers
Ruth Jones as Nessa. The BBC was accused of using ‘unnecessary blasphemy’ on Christmas Day while promoting the long-awaited finale of the hit sitcom
Facebook user Graham Jones wrote: ‘Every single news report, every single day for the last two weeks or so we’ve had Gavin and Stacey this, Gavin and Stacey that rammed down our throats.’
The BBC Wales News Facebook post said: said: ‘Oh my Christ! It’s almost over. After 17 years, Gavin and Stacey will end this evening.’
It linked to an article about the special episode and asked viewers for their highlights from the series, set on Barry Island, South Wales.
The episode was the most-watched programme on Christmas Day, attracting 12.5m viewers.
The BBC has declined to comment.
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