Despite reports from The Sun and the Mail Online, broadcasting regulator Ofcom only received one complaint against BBC Two drama London Spy.
Both websites reported that Ofcom had received 13 complaints from viewers, who were allegedly ‘shocked’ by gay sex scenes and nudity in spy drama starring Ben Whishaw and Jim Broadbent. However, after speaking with Ofcom, GT can confirm that only one complaint was made against the programme.
An Ofcom spokesman told GT: “We’ve received one complaint about London Spy on BBC Two. We will assess this complaint before deciding whether to investigate or not.”
The regulator confirmed that the individual complaint was in relation to a sex scene after the 9pm watershed.
London Spy was broadcast after the 9pm watershed, and it was announced that the programme would contain scenes of a sexual nature. On the BBC iPlayer, where the programme is now available to watch, the content warning is reiterated to viewers.
Christian group the Evangelical Alliance told the Sun: “We should expect better from our publicly-funded broadcaster.”
The paper also reports that one viewer tweeted: “Was watching London Spy but that just got way to much to watch, especially with my mum.”
Despite the individual complaint and negative feedback to the Sun, the reaction to the first episode of London Spy was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising it’s approach to the lead character’s sexuality.
Further reading:
