Friday, November 22, 2024

BBC axes Paddy McGuinness comedy over concerns of ‘insensitivity’ to ex-wife

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Paddy McGuinness’ upcoming sitcom, which takes a humorous look at his life and recent divorce, has been axed by the BBC as jittery bosses fear it would come across as “distasteful and insensitive” towards his ex-wife, Christine. The show, aptly titled ‘Paddy’, had been provisionally greenlit following a pilot episode where the 51-year-old comedian portrayed himself.

In the mockumentary-style series, Paddy is depicted coping with a breakup, and it included the participation of fellow comic Josh Pugh, 35. Pugh let slip that they shot at an Airbnb which was set up as Paddy’s makeshift abode.

However, a BBC source highlighted the corporation’s hesitance to proceed with airing details of the separation. Paddy and Christine, who is 36, went public with their separation in July 2022 after 11 years together.

They share three children: 10 year old twins Penelope and Leo, and Felicity, aged seven. Despite finalising their divorce this summer, the pair continue sharing their £2.5 million Cheshire mansion, prioritising their young family’s well-being.

Christine, a model by profession, was reportedly shaken when she first learnt about the sitcom online. Close friends shared her dismay, indicating, “Christine is distraught that their divorce is going to be the butt of the jokes. She’s completely broken over the divorce and we are genuinely worried about her.”

However, it’s now appears that the mockumentary has been axed, reports the Mirror. A source revealed to Mail Online: “The BBC has decided not to go ahead with Paddy’s mockumentary. Some thought it would be distasteful and insensitive to Christine, and were reluctant to be seen like they were taking sides in the messy break-up.”

Paddy has already removed jokes about his divorce from his stand-up show after “devastating” his ex-wife by making gags about their painful split.

The comedian is currently on tour with his Nearly There show, and on Thursday performed for the first time since sources close to Christine revealed she had been “horrified” that Paddy made jibes on stage. During his latest show in Middlesbrough, Paddy had scrapped any mention of his high-profile breakup from Christine.

A BBC spokesperson told Mail Online: “We do not comment on pilots.”

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