BBC denies bowing to Muslim fears over Al Qaeda 'Spooks' episode

by Daniel Farey-Jones Brand Republic 16-Feb-06, 09:00

LONDON – The BBC has denied reports it is wavering over whether to show an upcoming episode of MI5 spy drama 'Spooks' in which a Christian zealot guns down an Al Qaeda terrorist, due to fears it would upset Muslims.

The Sun reports that production sources admit the episode could be dropped, and the actor who plays the Christian gunman, Shaun Dingwall, fears the scene could make him a target for Muslim fundamentalists.

A BBC spokeswoman admitted the show could be re-edited, but said: "There is no question of an episode of 'Spooks' being scrapped."

The corporation refused to pull an episode from the second series that featured British Muslim suicide bombers. That episode was shown in 2003, pre-dating the attack on London's transport system by Islamist suicide bombers on July 7 2005.

Muslim groups had complained about the 2003, episode saying that it encouraged hostile feelings towards Islam.

The fifth series of the hit spy drama is set to be shown on BBC One late in the year.

The BBC spokeswoman said the episode did not centre on Al Qaeda, but on a fictional Christian extremist who forms his own group from homeless people on the streets of London.

"'Spooks' is known for its ability, even though it is filmed well in advance, to hit on issues that are highly topical and reflect modern life. It has gained a reputation for tackling difficult and relevant topics with care," she said.

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