Veteran actress slams BBC

Actress June Whitfield has slammed the BBC over reports it will axe long-running comedy Last of the Summer Wine.

June Whitfield has blasted the BBC for reportedly wishing to cancel its long-running comedy series, Last of the Summer Wine. Rumours have once again surfaced that the corporation will not commission further another series of the longest running comedy in Britain. For several years now rumours have continually stated that the corporation will axe the series even though it still draws respectable ratings for BBC One. Every time the rumours start up again the BBC deny any such plans exist to axe the series – and once more they have denied the future of the series is in doubt.

The latest rumours were sparked by series producer Alan JW Bell who told newspapers that the BBC had told him no more episodes would be produced. The BBC has since denied this and stated they won’t take any decision on the series’ future until all remaining episodes have aired. The future of the show was plunged into doubt late last year with the death of actress Kathy Staff who played the iconic Nora Batty in the series on-off since it launched in 1972. The rumours of the comedy’s axed sparked actress June Whitfield, who is now a cast member on the show, to slam the BBC. The veteran comedy actress accused the BBC of being ageist and was only interested in making programmes for younger audiences.

“It makes a lot of money for the BBC. It makes no sense to axe it. I honestly don’t think the BBC like old people. They are prejudiced because they are all so young themselves. I’m not sure I’ll ever work for the BBC again” – June Whitfield quoted in The Daily Mail.

June Whitfield is no stranger to the world of comedy having a starring role, alongside Terry Scott, in the popular 80’s sitcom Terry and June. The actress also was amongst the cast of Jennifer Saunders’ sitcom Absolutely Fabulous and more recently has had a recurring role in The Green Green Grass, a spin-off from Only Fools and Horses. Her other roles include several Carry On films, Harley Street, New Tricks, Marple, The last of the Blonde Bombshells and will next be seen in one of this years’ Doctor Who specials.