What did you think of the show? (03/02/09)
Professor Robert Winston was tonight's guest.
Anita Rani was in Birmingham. She asked: Are we ashamed of God? Well, are you? Share your views.
Mike Dilger went ant-spotting. He found rare southern wood ants in a London hospital car park.
Phil Tufnell found out how Watchet in Somerset got its unusual name.
And Iain Lee went was on snow patrol - looking for those woefully ill-equipped to deal with the white stuff.
Also: Thank you One Show viewers! You've sent in more than 1,500 photos of yourselves getting creative in the snow.
Take a look at a gallery of some of the best, here. We've still got many more to add - so check back soon.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~32~RS~)
Comments
I enjoy the show very much - the variety, the laughs, the information, the contrast between Adrian and Christine - all great.
However I am concerned at the loud-mouth of a person in your team that has split on Carol Thatcher's private comment about a
G------g! And of all things made it public and on the 6pm News. The BBC is so parochial and leaves major world-wide news items out of their bulletins for a silly thing like this.
Come on guys have some sense! I don't support the statement she made but really it should have been dealt with privately. It doesn't give the One Show a good name and that is not Carol's fault but the loud mouth who made it public!
Briermedia
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The show has been absolutely superb. Relaxed, relaxing and always brings a smile to one's face. However, if it turns out to be true that a private conversation with Carol Thatcher was 'leaked', I would guess you will lose a great many viewers. I have no personal agenda, but this has all the appearances of some opportunist chancer seeking to make trouble out of what was seemingly little more than a private, if tasteless remark, probably hoping to have a dig at Mrs Thatcher's daughter. If true, shabby, and shame on the idiot behind it!
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Hi Guys
Why is is that that whenever talking about religion do the BBC feature Anglican churches with stain glass windows and stone edifices, when actually more people attend Christian worship in other types of buildings? Are you too lazy to seek out contempory styles of church (in schools, cinemas, village halls, modern church buildings etc).
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It is ridiculous to fire Carol for one admittedly stupid remark.
And by the way Adrian - no-one likes a tell-tale and therefore I for one no longer like you!
Shame on you all.
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The word christian is often used in a general sense i.e. a christian country. rather than a person who loves the lord jesus as their saviour and creator. To say that your a christian is often seen as a joke or a reason to mock but few people mock other religions in quite the same way or take the name of God and his Son as a swear word on a daily basis We are told to be all inclusive yet we are not tolerant of the faith that our very Queen is head of.
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So much going on in the world and we have a pathetic complaint about a private conversation. When will people start getting a life and some perspective to their existence. Carol Thatcher maybe eccentric but it’s obvious to those with an ounce of common sense that she does not have a vindictive or racial bone in her body. Where do we get these people.
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I am quite angry that Adrian implied that only people of faith could have 'moral values'. The advert on the bus in no way implied that people should go out and just have no morals if they don't believe in god. It was more that they shouldn't be 'god fearing' and enjoy their lives.
You don't have to have faith to have morals, so get off your high horses you lot!
Wendy, Daventry
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re the God question. Some of us have to be careful because we are victims of prejudice, because our Gods and our religion often brings out the worst in journalism, with trite comments and little respect for our feelings. I refer of course to the ever growing Pagan population. How about a bit of inclusion eh!!
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are you telling me that the person who claims they were outraged by the comment has never in his life made any comment about another persons colour.
for god sake you can still buy golliwogs called golliwogs from a shop where heartbeat is filmed in goathland, does that mean they are racist.
being racist is far more than making comments as many well know.
just about everyone on the planet has or will make a comment about some ones colour its human nature even its it wrong,
thre is a asian guy selling exhaust pipes in birmingham his gargage is called golliwogs.
does that mean he is racist,
jo brand has made the odd racist comment in her time too.
i think they are just trying to get a backing they already had but now i think they will lose the backing.
leave carol alone. nby the way i am not white. No wonder there is race issues in britain when this kind of thing gets blown out of proportion. its silly and daft and many people watch the one show for carol . many are black as well as well white and we love her.
how stupid of the one show to sack someone because the presenter diagrees with a comment. keep carol bin the rest
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The One show is superb.If I dont see Carol Thatcher again though its goodbye BBC hello Sky.I hope whoever reported her is long gone.
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I would like to tell Anita that a lot of the God problem stems from PC idiots who say we can't celebrate Christmas because it might offend those of another Faith. This is of course Hogwash as they don't mind at all it's just PC gone Mad.
Personally I like to learn about the festivals from all Faiths as there becomes more & more to celebrate.
Fear is fuelled by ignorance!
Ian from Farnborough
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Adrian's comment is exactly the reason why Atheists feel completely left out of the spiritual debate. Just because they do not believe in a God (and definitely not 'your' God), it does not mean they believe in nothing. In contrary, the average atheist has probably thought through religion and spirituality a good deal more than the average religious person who has been brought up believing in some doctrine or another.
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I'm quite annoyed about the "god" slot on the One Show today...
You're making an assumption that some christians are embarrassed about it, whereas I think the truth is that christian religion in the 21st century is in a long-overdue decline.
I'd put this largely down to an increase in basic intelligence, and an unwillingness to be led around by the nose by a patriachal religion that expects us to believe the medieval scribblings of half-witted god botherers.
If we are becoming a more secular society, this isn't down to embarrasment, it's down to evolution, and education.
To be honest, I'm more embarrassed on your behalf, for having to present such nonsense at primetime on a national TV channel.
Annie
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HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
HANDS OFF CAROL THATCHER
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LEAVE CAROL THATCHER ALONE, SHE'S NOT RACIST!
LEAVE CAROL THATCHER ALONE, SHE'S NOT RACIST!
LEAVE CAROL THATCHER ALONE, SHE'S NOT RACIST!
LEAVE CAROL THATCHER ALONE, SHE'S NOT RACIST!
LEAVE CAROL THATCHER ALONE, SHE'S NOT RACIST!
LEAVE CAROL THATCHER ALONE, SHE'S NOT RACIST!
LEAVE CAROL THATCHER ALONE, SHE'S NOT RACIST!
LEAVE CAROL THATCHER ALONE, SHE'S NOT RACIST!
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It is not true that white middle class Christians are reluctant to talk about God. I am one and I know many others who, like me, delight in opportunities to talk about how great and good God is, from personal experience.
Bryan Williams
Bath
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I was disappointed by the facts used in the show tonight. The report on 'Are we embarrassed about God?' only looked at Church of England churches - one of the reasons why the numbers in these Churches are declining is because people are moving to different denominations (such as FIEC Churches, Baptist, Free Church). Get your fact right before using them on national tv!
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Oi, Anita!! The purpose of the "atheist bus" advert is NOT to suggest that religious people do not enjoy their lives!! I've signed up to these BBC blogs just to make this clear!! It is simply a response to a particular evangelical Christian advert on London buses that suggested that non-believers will burn in hell. Rational atheists do not believe that religious people do not enjoy their lives... please make that clear to your viewers!
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As a Church of England person, I do wonder sometimes if, as our religion is based upon the needs of one man ie: Henry VIII who removed a large part the country from Catholacism, subliminally, we're not sure what's what.
I must add that, whilst I'm not a regular church goer, I do find the Catholic religion to be full of hypocrasy and C of E a much kinder path to tread.
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Tonights show is unreal!!! The whole implication is that there is a god. You haven't even questioned his existance. This is utterly wrong and symptomatic of the BBC's close alignment to the Christian chruch and defender of belief in general. The vast majority of people are atheist or agnostic in this country ,so do the public justice and put boths points forward. That is belief and non belief. Allowing Winston to attack Dawkins without some form of defence is scandolous. Dawkins is popular for the very reason it echos the thoughts of the silent majority. People are too scared to say what they think for fear of offending the easily offenable, i.e. the religious! The bus adverts are a staggering success story due to it being a small outlet for the overwhelming exasperation of programs like todays show.
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Those who are embarrassed by their belief in god might take it as a sign that it's a ridiculous notion, and one that's better dismissed as quickly as possible.
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What is it with the BBC and religion? All the usual tenets of balance seem to be forgotten. Where was the voice of atheism/agnosticism to reply to the chorus of theologians, priests, vicars and wannabe rabbis? If the idea is to promote discussion then it would be good practice to allow more than one point of view to be represented.
Andrew Flint
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bring back carol what she said was wrong she should have been given a warning not sacked after all the bbc did not sack jonathan ross and he broke the law by making nuisance phone calls from his employers premises which is gross misconduct.
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How can Robert Winston describe Richard Dawkins as being arrogant? He says that human spirituality evolved some 40000 years ago which is scientific while in the Bible it says that the Earth is between 6000 and 10000 years old. Which way do you want it Robert? You can't have it both ways - that's being arrogant. I don't think you can marry religion and science together. There is nothing more arrogant than a religious person claiming that something/someone exists, who has never been seen or heard, without a single shread of verifiable evidence.
Thanks Andy.
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In a 1997 study, Beit-Hallahmi and Argyle concluded that out of 700 Nobel Prize winning scientists, only one believed that there is a God.
A 1998 study by Larson and Witham revealed that of those American scientists considered eminent enough by their peers to have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, 93 percent do not believe in God.
In a 2006 British study by Elisabeth Cornwell and Michael Stirrat on the Fellows of the Royal Society, 95 percent of its member do not believe in God.
Paul Bell in 2002 Mensa Magazine stated:
Of 43 studies carried out since 1927 on the relationship between religious belief and one's intelligence and/or educational level, all but four found an inverse connection. That is, the higher one's intelligence or education level, the less one is likely to be religious or hold "beliefs" of any kind.
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I was really disappointed with the article on "are we ashamed of God?". I wonder whether Prof Robert Winston has actually read The God Delusion? Whether you agree with the content of the book or not is irrelevant, the title is not designed to be offensive to people of faith and nor is what is written inside. It is designed to be a full and frank investigation of his atheistic point of view - a freedom of speech for agnostics and atheists that we shouldn't have had to fight as hard for as we have. If Christian people choose to be offended by it, I think that has more to do with the privileged position of all faiths in our society relative to atheism than any real insult. The people who are most likely to avoid discussing faith are the atheists because we, more than any other sect, have what we believe in ridiculed and marginalized. Sadly, your program was no exception. There was certainly no equal representation for a very large group of people, more, the cowardly pouring of scorn on an issue about which the contributors have apparently thought very little. Point of order: Richard Dawkins is NOT advertising on London buses. The Humanist Society organized the campaign, RD simply made a donation towards it.
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just on the topic of are you ashamed of God. Anita said on the show how it seems mostly christians are embarrassed whilst other religions like muslims hindu and sikhs out loud display it and are not embarrassed.
I think it is wrong for you to say this. Just because religious group out loud speaks words and have shows to display titled religious does this really mean they are truely religious people? as a born Indian Roman Catholic in the UK I believe it is out of pure respect for other religions that christians practise is not always displayed out loud and in the face of others who understandably come from different backgrounds. Never have I heard that people should display their religious beliefs like a parade or show to society for someone like Anita to make a judgment on which religious group is embarrassed or proud.
Also I feel it must be noted futher that I have noticed an even bigger change with openly discussing christian faith mainly in this country since all the up roar from other religious groups who constantly complain about how christian focused this country is. I mean have we all forgotten the issues raised over wearing the crucifix? As a proud christian I feel it is best not to even talk about how proud we are due to how easily offended people become these days complaining about how muslim, hindu and other religions dont get "recognised". Its a joke really the UK are afraid to talk now to accomadate other religions to feel more secure.
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bring back carol!!!!!!!!!
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Human beings DID NOT evolve 'spirituality' 40,000 years ago.
"Bloch believes our ancestors developed the necessary neural architecture TO IMAGINE before or around 40-50,000 years ago, at a time called the Upper Palaeological Revolution, the final sub-division of the Stone Age"
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What a waste of time and money to bring Robert Winston onto the programme and then give him about ten seconds of airtime compared with the gabble of everyone else. I tuned in to hear some informed and serious comment .I need'nt have bothered. I guess he must be wondering why he bothered also! Fine for the bible bashers but not much of value for those with some degree of reason and judgement.
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I love the One Show and think Sir Robert Winston is brilliant, however, regarding your other item of today's show, I am very saddened that people who call themselves Christians are either too embarrassed, ashamed, fearful, timid or plain neglectful in professing the name of Jesus. Jesus has totally changed my life and I declare my joy in the name of my Lord at any opportunity I get provided I do not offend others. I have been amazed at the response I usually get from the lots of people I talk to of the Grace I have received from God. Jesus specifically told His followers to go out and spread the gospel so, if you believe in Him, please go out and talk about his work and his life - it is your Christian duty and usually brings joy to others as well as to oneself.
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Please ask Christine to hold up the book towards the audience!
She never does - she looks at the cover of a CD, book or whatever anyone is on the show to plug and never never never holds it up to the camera - its a wonder the guests don't grab it from her and hold it up themselves.
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Prof Winston states that their is genetic evidence that we should all believe in God. The programme hosts say 'really,gosh', not 'what genetic evidence exactly?'
When people discuss God their sanity vanishes out of the nearest window. Especially it would seem emminent professors.
In 100 years,if we are still around,Dawkins will be standard textbook. Winston will be a long lost footnote of past BBC hacks.
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Zeus will not look kindly on Robert Winston.
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I enjoyed the show, but would like to know the source of Winston's fascinating comment that there is 'genetic evidence' for the development of 'human spirituality'. Is it in Dawkins' book? It could be read either way, as a subtle put-down of the idea there might be an independent spiritual realm (explaining it away via genetics), or as an endorsement of the spiritual. Winston seemed to be endorsing it. Is that true? And above all, what is the source?
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I think the show is great but why, O why, do you have to do items on ANTS and RATS at a time when many, many people are either preparing or eating an evening meal. I tried not to look but just listening to your "insect man" made me feel ill. I'm sure he is passionate about insects but how many "normal" people are (sorry Insect Man - can't remember his name). Please let us have pleasant items on a really great show.
And yes - BRING BACK CAROL THATCHER
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I really enjoy the one show and usually don't blog but I had to respond to someone of the comments I have read with regards to Carol Thatcher.
I do agree that there are times PC can be taken too far; however this is not one of those times.
The name used has always had negative connotations to specific sections of the ethic community.
The picture that went with the word ...big lips, fat nose, frizzy hair.....portrayed black people as stupid and non-human. It's basically a really negative stereotype of my community. These types of ideals expressing by racist words was used as a way of justifying civil rights restrictions towards Black people.
I would suggest if you think this is a PC comment then you obviously do not know anyone from the black community. It will always be a word which causes a negative reaction and although we need to look to future we must not disregard the past.
I am 31 years old and truly thought this word had been relegated to history its a shame someone so well educated brought it back into the public domain.
I can now guarantee at some point some a**hole will be calling me it in the near future.
Let's not forget she used this word to describe a black tennis player... would you like to be solely defined by your race and not your character... in the sentiment of Martin Luther King Jnr; I would like to be judged by the content of my character and not the colour of my skin!
Hopefully my comments help certain bloggers to understand why these types of words will always be offensive and I'm really trying not to sound like I'm preaching but these comments really get on my nerves.
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CAROL THATCHER - Political correctness gone mad! She said something silly which in hindsight most people would never say AND what she said was said in private. It is outrageous that colleagues betray her like this. Get her back!
RELIGION - Of course us British are reluctant to talk about our religious beliefs. We British Christians are NOT allowed to air our beliefs openly without ridicule. Is a nurse to presently suspended from her job for saying a prayer for one of her sick patients. The patient was not offended BUT the authorities chose to suspend an innocent nurse.
British Christian and non-Christian people are discriminated against constantly on a daily basis. Who is sticking up for us????????
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I have to agree with all the postings so far i have never written on a blog or written a complaint but on this occasion i have felt impelled to do so. Carol Thatcher is one of the nicest, funniest and itellegent people i have seen on the tv in a long time.
I am sure when she made the comment for one she did not think of it as being racist otherwise knowing what a PC gone mad country we have become she would not have made the comment.
I work in the public sector and find myself all the time having to watch what i say for example "white or black coffee, white board black board".
Sad on the BBC for suspending Carol even sadder when you think they have allowed that vile Jonathan Ross back on the channel with just a slap for his disgusting behaviour. Get a grip BBC, I for one will not be watching the one show anymore.
BRING BACK CAROL then i might change my mind, infact i would rather see her presenting it!! She is in the real world.
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Personally, no I'm not ashamed of God. However, as is usual with this catagory of question, the subject was ambiguous. On the one hand the question was, are we ashamed of God, and the next, are we emabarrassed to speak about religion?
Why is it that so many well-meaning people confuse religion with God. God is not religious. If He were, in which religion did He ever reveal Himself? The answer is none. He only ever revealed Himself in His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was sent to the Jews and they rejected Him, doesn't that tell us something about the nature of religion.
Religion is man's best attempts to be Godlike, that's all it is. It is man-made, it is false because it is smitten with tradition. The word religion is only mention twice in the bible. Someone was said, "religion is for those who don't want to go to hell"; ~
whereas, "spirituality is for those of us who've already been there. There are many who can speak volumes about religion but can say little meaningful about God whom they do not know. Most people just voice their opinions about both God and religion based upon what they have been taught to believe and not what they learned for themselves. Opinions are like armpits, we've all got them but some of them really stink.
Jock.
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Humans alone practice religion because they're the only creatures to have evolved imagination
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13782-religion-a
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Clashawn -
My sister with red curly hair was constantly called a gollywog when we were growing up. She didn't take offence, she took it in the jesting manner it was meant.
Not everything is about YOU! Get the chip off your shoulder.
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I am not ashamed of God or being Christian (please don’t delete as this is not racist).
I am scared however of being arrested for being called racist. We Christians are not allowed to show our faith for fear of upsetting others, I can not openly ware a cross, yet some can ware a turban. I must say that seeing these offends me....yet I can’t make them take it off....... My Cross is the same as their turban, I should be allowed to ware it with pride, not hide it.
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God slot. Poorly thought out piece. First question should have been "are you a Christian?" Then on from there to embarrassment. I and a lot of those people could have responded, "No." Then "yes I can talk about your god."
Really quite appalled that we have a Christian monopoly of presenters. I dont want to be preached at thank you.
I accept Winston's view that spirituality is part of the human makeup. He didnt say it was religion though.
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Can you say 'slap-head' politically correct BBC, a presenter did tonight, quick call a producer! Oh sorry it was live of course
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Barring Carol Thatcher for a remark made in private and meant with humour is pathetic and childish
Whoever is involved in reporting and banning Carol should hang their heads in shame and grow up - sorry they have lost the plot
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Thatcher
Why do the bbc always wash their dirty linen in public?
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I am a regular viewer of the One Show and usually enjoy watching the topics of the evening being discussed by Adrian and Christina. However, I feel that some of the comments made during your discussion about whether or not people are embarrassed to talk about God, were frankly offensive. I personally am a non-believer and was quite offended by Adrian's comment re. the London bus signs, that people who don't believe have no morals! We do not have to believe in something for which there is no proof in order to have a sense of right and wrong! Even as a non-believer, I felt it was innapropriate to make sweeping statements like 'white middle-class Christians were embarrassed about their belief'. Perhaps the amount of offense that can be caused to both sides of the debate is precisely why people don't feel it neccessary to discuss their views openly and why should we?
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What a load of rubbish your presenter made about Christians.
Try listening to Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists and the rest of the Christian faiths. They will tell you about GOD and what it means to them.
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why is it implied that those who love God cannot enjoy themselves? to "fear God" does not mean to be frightened of him, but to respect him.(Remember that the King James version was translated when words had different meanings)
Peaople who truly respect and love God are the happiest people in the world. They have peace of mind knowing that we have a creator who loved us so much he allowed his son to die for us,to cleanse us of sin.
Wat sort of morals DO non believers have? mine are based on the 10 commandments, what are yours based on.
It is sad that so many atrocities have been commited over the years by people who say they believe in God but yet they do not follow his commandments (e.g. do not kill) killing by so called holy wars (no war is holy) terrosists, so called martyrs is still killing. There is NO excuse for taking the life of another person. It is NOT what God wants. He says "love your enemy - turn the other cheek, pray for those who despitefully use you - treat them the way you would have them treat you - true religion is to look after the widow and the fartherless"" etc etc. Until non believers see the "believers" treating others like this, there will always be non believers. So believers everywhere, stand up and be counted. Smile, and show how happy you are, don't hide when asked about God, shout halleluya!
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Is Christine OK, She seems to have gone orange in colour or has the colour gone wrong on my TV
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I think George Carlin said something like "you have the right to call me what you like and i have the right to punch you in the face"
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I think there is a much more significant reason for many people being unwilling to talk about God than you realise. We fought a bloody and bitter civil war in the 17th century that encompassed many issues but it was also the culmination of many decades of religious confrontation that even divided families. The classic advice is, " Don't discuss religion or politics", and that is because they are divisive issues. The Civil War ended without those divisions being healed so folk in general put aside their differences because they realised they were so enormous and had no solution - even brutal war. Subconciously, I believe that subsequent generations carried that idea forward, people only being happy to talk about faith with those they knew or had confidence in. It does explain why only folk indigenous to this land who are C. of E. or Dissenters are generally affected and not other Christians, especially Catholics, who are not only historically part of more numerous faith but were also looked on less favourably by both C. of E. and Protestants, as is shown by the Act of Settlement.
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too funny grumpy maybe she is hot with all the flirting she does with Adrian and vice versa
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SYCOPHANTIC ADVERT FOR LORD WINSTON BY SELF PROMOTING PRESENTERS. THIS SHOW IS DETERIORATING. IT WAS INTERESTING DUE TO CAROL, GILES, TUFFERS AND DAN (WHO PROBABLY SAW THE WAY IT WAS GOING AND BALED OUT). WHAT A HAPPY TEAM YOU MUST BE TO TELL TALES ON PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS. I'M 100% WITH CAROL - WHEN I WAS AT SCHOOL THE SIN BEFORE ALL OTHERS WAS SNEAKING ON YOUR MATES -MAYBE YOU HAVE TO BE TRUELY ENGLISH TO APPRECIATE THAT. CAROL IS THE STAR OF THIS SHOW - I DOUBT IF I SHALL WATCH MUCH AGAIN - BUT SACK CAROL AND I NEVER SHALL - SORRY GILES AND TUFFERS.
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Tonight is the first time I have ever watched "The One Show" and I can quite honestly say that it was a MAJOR disappointment.
To say the show was one sided is an understatement! The discussion was biased from start to finish, It was very weakly backed up with prattle that came from Winston. The reporter involved was not only agreed with without question but wholeheartedly agreed with by the hosts, This was extremely shoddy journalism at its worst.
And how anyone can expect to discuss such an exhaustive topic as religious belief in a 10-15 minute slot is beyond me, that is unless you get four people who totally agree with the concept (as was the case).
Winston opened with "I like Dawkins, he's a friend of mine" to then go on and question why such a liberal level headed person could be an atheist and to go on question how a man of such upstanding character could hold Atheistic views, It made me quite queasy.
This was then followed by an attack on Non-believers morals! I ask you !
I am someone who have all my life supported the Beeb in discussions on the licence fee and will continue to do so, That is as long as this type of lazy , Biased journalism does not become more prevalent within its shows.
Mike, (A Proud Atheist of very high morals and Ethics!)...
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Guy in Ashford, Kent
I felt I had to write to you regarding the BBC's appalling treatment of Carol Thatcher.
I am appalled and shocked. Carol was apparently in a private conversation and I do not believe she would ever be racist to anyone.
The term "Gollywog" is a word relating to a soft toy our generation grew up with relating to the brand name of Robertsons.
I fail to see how someone saying that someone had hair like a gollywog is racist, surely it is hairist. This is how pathetic the whole situation is.
The One Show is a very good program and therefore they should set an example over this stupidity and welcome Carol back with open arms.
Guy
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I don't actually like Carol Thatcher that much really but I am deeply concerned about what seems to have happened here. It smacks more of Stalinist Russia, than a country which pretends to defend free speech, when comments made in private result in such drastic action. Until her exact comments are published it's difficult to judge how "lighthearted" they were.
Judging from this message board it is interesting how out of step the BBC mandarins appear to be with the British public.
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Please can you assure me that the One Show Green Room is now bugged so that any racist, sexist, ageist or otherwise dubious private remark can be reported to the Thought Police as soon as possible.
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Richard Dawkins was voted the third most important "public intellectual' in the world last year.
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Well I was a bit miffed that Adrian implied that people who don't believe in God such as myself have no morals. I have this thing called common sense that tells me that drugs are a waste of time and that it'd be silly of me to walk naked in public and sleep around. People without God are not hooligans or immoral.
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Why was the fact that Carole Thatcher has been sacked from the One Show not discussed openly on tonight's show ?
Whatever the rights and wrongs, this whole business is shabby.
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junglejim47
robert winston DID NOT say that there was genetic evidence that WE SHOULD ALL believe in god. what he said was that genetically some people have a propensity of veering towards spiritualism or religion.
don't mix up the words.
plus, and this is not towards you, but to two little comments that have implied that the subject was somewhat biased. the subject was whether some christians are ashamed of talking about their religion or not. AND SOLELY ON THAT.
to me, it's quite comprehensible that they did that. the subject it's too complicated and too diverse for a half an hour program to make it justice.
maybe you should write to the one show and ask them to make a report of atheism. i'm sure that can be done.
and i say this as an agnostic/atheist.
and about carol thatcher. to be frank she did wrong. she's a full grown woman, she should understand and know that there are certain subjects that are too sensitive to make a joke about.
i'm not saying she's a bad woman, we've all said something foolish that we regretted on later. but she works for the tele and that kind of work can bring great power; and with great power comes great responsibility.
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I do think guests should have more time to talk than hearing about ants etc!!!Sir Robert Winston is very interesting and would have liked to have heard more from him!
Regarding Carol Thatcher Why is everyone blaming poor Adrian??maybe people should get facts right before accusations !If Carol says sorry is that not enough ?and really she of all people should be very careful what she says??lovely to have Christine back tonight !The One Show is now a regular in our house ,informitive, friendly and great guests and Presenters!!!!!Love it!!and all the team!!!
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For many years we have been fans of Adrian Chiles, (5live, Working Lunch etc. ) however after the fiasco regarding Carol Thatcher, that is the end ! How anyone can be so petty, sneaky and disloyal as to report a private conversation with a colleague, 48 hours after the event beggers belief.
Has Adrian never said anything in private that he would not like repeated ???
Is there a private agenda here ? Is it political with a small p or big P ?
Why should it make news headlines ? This should have been nipped in the bud BEFORE it got this far. It has made Adrian and Jo Brand look like school yard tale tellers.
They have both gone a long way down in our estimation.
No more One Show for us or listening to Adrian in future. Sorry - like Christine and even wanted her to win Strictly !
Carol deserves better.
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More. I love it. Whilst the question about whether the British public are reluctant, ashamed or otherwise to discuss religion, God or whatever, that sure isn't reflected here. Great. So many comments from both sides supporting each side of the argument about belief. The original question has been superseded by those who believe there is a God and those who don't.
Isn't it great how those who don't believe are quick to critisize those who do when they quote something from the bible. But isn't it equally interesting that the do nots are very quick to grab gold of Dawkins The God Delusion to support their view.
Swings and roundabouts.
So many with such opposing views and I almost guarantee that if you were to ask the majority firstly; "what they believe", and then more impoortantly; "why they believe it" you would get some very interesting answers. The most common being, because they were taught it.
Even those who use science to back up their argument about there being 'no God', should know that even the scientific community will tell you, "there isn't one thing that science can prove 100%. Yes they get pretty close, but not 100%. It may be 95, 96% but the remainder is supposition.
Perhaps if those on both sides would stop trying to defend their point of view, look for the similarities and stop looking for the differences they might just stand a chance of having meaningful discussions across the spectrum of this everlasting debate. It seems at any rate, real of otherwise, God definately isn't going to go away. One thing's for sure, "if you don't stand up for something, you'll fall for anything, including deacon dawkins !
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I only said that piece of fish was good enough for jehovah.......
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
So C Thatcher is banned for an innocuous private remark. How precious the BBC is and Adrian Chiles. I suppose if I called him a Brummie Bunteresque character, I too would be banned. And presumably this comment will be censored (or reactively moderated in the new PC speak that is the hallmark of the BBC).
Oh dear. Where has liberty and free speech gone? We are now controlled by the thought police.
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JockHighlands what are you talking about?
Whitenoise.
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Also just because gollywog is a doll doesn't mean people can't tarnish the word to mean something else. I've heard it used quite alot to people of different colour by racist people.
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Shame on you for your outrageous action in sacking Carol Thatcher from the show. Ross gets away with a suspension but continues with his obscene language which offends many of us but a private remark by Carol Thatcher off air after being plied with drink at the licence payers expense gets her villified.
It really is time the BBC behaved as a responsible upholder of free speech and stopped its ludicrous political correctness.
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Thanks Chrstine for your feedback.
It's a shame you think my views represent some form of prehistoric rant.
I am sure the G word has been used in other contexts but I bet it was still used as an insult towards your sister.
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Wheres that nice carole thatcher gone?
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Hey, enjoyed the show as usual but and there is always a but.... I have just heard on the news that carol Thatcher has been banned from the One Show - BRING BACK CAROL THATCHER in fact make her prime minister!
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Everybody is free to have their own opinions but boy do we have some out of touch people out there.
God created man in his own image, he then married a woman made from one of his rib's.
They had two kids, both boys, one then killed the other......so where did the rest of us come from.....
Its so simple I cant understand why people dont get it !!!
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Apparently Carol has apparently messed up on a little comment about 'golly wogs' an old expression that was never offensive years ago. How ridiculous! One Show you need to do a rewind and bring Carol back, shes good fun!
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Carol Thatcher banned - How ridiculous. This, for a comment ALLEGEDLY made OFF air, out of public view, and in a closed, private conversation. Now compare with that shameful disaster, overpaid, over inflated, and over rated waste of £6m a year known as Jonathan Woss - who blatantly and wilfully slandered and inulted people ON air in a far worse way - and who tried to do so again after his "suspension".
The BBC does not deserve licence fee payers money any longer - it has now proven beyond ANY doubt that it has lost all sembelence of common sense, and more, that it is so far out of touch with reality, as to be beyond comprehension.
If it were not for the fact that I'd be breaking the law, I would refuse to pay the licence fee, and in all probability will now watch ITV for news, until such time as the BBC can demonstrate some form of intelligence and adult rationality.
The comment Carol made, or didn't, WAS NOT FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION - and whether or not she said something which might be construed as offensive - IT IS NONE OF THE PUBLIC'S BUSINESS! What Jonathan Ross did WAS the public's business - he did that ON air, for all to hear.
So, before you lose any further respect - do the decent thing BBC. Apologise to Carol - give her back her slot, and get rid of that blundering baboon, (and the do-gooder who made these decisions) - and give the public what they are paying for - some decent, informed, and intelligent television.
How can the BBC have fallen so far, gotten so political, and how can it keep getting it so wrong?
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Orangft what is so simple? Belief in god? Some people don't get it as you say for the basic fact is that people can only believe in what they feel in their hearts and minds no matter how much you try to "turn" them.
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Orangeft ??????
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Blair who took us into war based on lies is hardly the best person to comment on religion. This is a Christian country it is part of the history and fabric of our society. We have come a long way over the past two thousand years based on the tenets of Christianity. We tolerate other faiths, which is more than can be said for some middle eastern countries. It is no wonder people will avoid talking about their faith in public, your job could be under threat for wearing a simple cross or offering to say a prayer, you may not get that adoption or a place on the housing list. The saddest thing is that the government and church bend over backwards for other religions then look the other way when being open about your Christian faith could mean being persecuted.
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After the flood wiped everyone out we only had Moses left......so it all started again.
Wow...just think how far back I could go on 'Who do you think you are'.....
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I was very disappointed to read of the news regarding Carol Thatcher and the One Show.
The action to bar her on the programme seems disproportionate to the 'crime'. She has shown a lot of warmth and empathy in all the slots she has had on the show and certainly does not display any racist behaviours.
Over the past six months the BBC seems to have lost its bearings on these type of issues and is frightened to take the line of common sense.
Carol has apologised and explained herself in an open and honest way. I hope there will be a review on the ban as she will be missed by many viewers of the One Show for her friendly, warm and humorous broadcasting.
Nick
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I LOVE the way the One Show makes out that the average viewer of its show sits at home every night contemplating religion and science and has concluded that the most likely scenario is that the bible is correct, jesus existed, its teachings are still relevant and that God exists and not only listens to everyones prayers but can intervene in our lives AND last but not least created the universe.
That their opinion MATTERS and MUST be heard.
..
Not that they havent given it two minutes thought since they were indoctrinated at birth and mildly brainwashed through school.
Ricky Gervais managed to make Rowan Williams squirm on the radio. The One Show needs to invite Hitchens and Dawkins on.
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How ever you might like to express your views on religion, I would rather discuss Carol Thatcher coming back and how stupid it is that she has been banned. She livened up the show!!
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Here, Here evans51!!
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If i was Carol and was asked to come back i would say "no" why would you want to work with back stabbers, people you just would not trust with your private conversations or who are prepared to twist comments made probably to make themselves look whiter than white which they probably are not.
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Just a further comment on the golliwog affair. The image I have of a golliwog is very positive and obviously very different from CLashawn (see above somewhere). Golliwogs are happy, smiling dolls, with hair frizzing out - adorable creatures! I think I know the tennis player being referred to - a happy looking guy and a superb player. Yep, he fits the bill. What is racist about any of this? Or is it no longer allowed to refer to or imply anything about skin colour?
What about eye colour, hair colour, height, sex, etc? Crazy BBC world!
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Can you tell me where your lovely host got her silvery grey jacket from (from 3rd of Feb show)? It's lovely!
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Bring back Carol Thatcher, or you've lost at least me as a viewer.
I thought you were real and nice people but twisting her words in a private conversation to get her ejected from the show is just nasty and seems spiteful for no reason - I don't want to watch such fake people as light entertainment.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Does anyone from the BBC read these blogs are we just wasting our time.
Would they bring back Carol on our say so
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We can only try. Keep your fingers crossed that the moderator is taking note!
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I have never been a fan of Carol's mother but, we all think she (Carol) is great on the telly and adds to a fabulous programme. Who was the self rightious eejit who took exception to her flipant comment. We all make mistakes in things we say. I think Carol is of that class that when they make such comments it sounds worse than it realy is.
I would like the person who took exception to the comment to be watched day and night until they make a dodgy comment because at some point they will offend or noise up someone somewhere sometime.
Carol is jolly, slightly excentric and fun and the Brittish public love her.
We would never have heard of this incident if it wasn't blabbed across the media by the concieted selfrightious.
How much do these people get paid from my licence fee by the way? Interesting to think, eh?
Bring her back thankyou.
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Like Woodivere I have never joined in a blog before, but was so outraged about the treatment of Carol Thatcher felt I had to comment. Especially when the BBC have brought back the foul mouthed over paid Jonathan Ross, and his actions were far worse.
I did make my main comments in an earlier post, but must say I agree with Woodivere, why ever would Carol want to return to the One Show, how could she trust any of them again? She is worthy of more.
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Got to go but KEEP SUPPORTING CAROL FOLKS!!
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Someone is barred from a show for a 'racial' comment is the usual typical over reaction from the hypersensitive PC brigade. Meanwhile overpaid has-beens like Jonathan Ross can make vile insulting phone calls to an old man as a "joke", yet keep their £6 million/year job! (paid for by licence payer's money).
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Maybe we the licence payer that pay these peoples wages should have more of a say. we live in a democratic society ( well i thought we were starting to wonder!) To be honest i do find the present presnters a bit sickly sweet... sorry
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Talk about a police state! OK she shouldn't have said it but surely someone could have had a quiet word with Carol instead of "denouncing" her? I belong to the generation of girls who had a golliwog as well as dolls and it is an affectionate word for us. Unfortunately we were told at some point that we are not at liberty to use it and most of us remember it most of the time as we do not wish to offend. Get a life whoever you are! Perhaps you don't get it? We watch the One Show as we like the eccentricity of the presenters. If we want to watch current affairs programmes we can watch them on any channel at different times of the day. The One Show has gone down in my estimation and I'm not sure if I will continue to watch. Who was the sneak anyway?
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Shame on the BBC. What is said in private should remain private. We are all entitled to our opinions and have freedom of speech.
No one should be offended by Carol's remark as it was not meant in a racist context, was private and should have remained so. Political correctness has gone way too far.
I am personally offended by Carol's treatment and think the BBC should apologise for over reacting.
As for comments about Jonathan Ross, he makes me and many other people laugh in a pretty crappy world. If you do not like him.. don't watch his show !
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The Show tonight was excellent as usual. Great presenters an.d super content. However, Carol Thatcher. Why oh Why do we have these idiot do gooders complaining about Carol surely a breath of fresh air in this very stale environment. I am English and live on the Isle of Man and I am a Brit. I am not offended. I f I was Irish I would be a Paddy I am sure Christine would not be offended. From Scotland a Jock from Italy an Iti from Germany a Crout so from Pakistan Paki from America a Yank so what. For goodness sake let's get real it's for the one show to show the people all the viewers that we have all got nick names. I have the courage of my convictions and would be only to willing to put them across on national TV I hope you will too.
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I don't watch him but wehave to hear about him Mike and all the antics he has been guilty of but seems to be rewarded for.
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I cannot be embarassed by something whose only evidence for existence is a variety of political books. I am often embarassed by the people who try and convince me otherwise and their ignorance of the development of their own books.
Perhaps I am deluded by not believing in something made up and substantiated mostly for personal gain or for self satisfaction over the last 3 milleninia. Perhaps it is me who is deluded by not having seen any convincing evidence and not the people who have been objectionably thrusting religious rubbish down my throat for years.
It is not arrogant to say there cannot be both a god and not a god and therefore either Dawkins, I and millions of others are deluded by not finding convincing evidence or Lord Winstone is by belief and faith. One side or the other has to be deluded. May I ask given a choice between evidence and faith where is the truth most likely to settle
Incidently Lord Winstone wrongly attributed Dawkins liberal thinking to 'English Religion' but liberal thinking is more to do with Hume and Paine than the religious nonsense that has tried to stifle free thought before the twentieth century. A pity Lord Winstone does not know enough about English culture and the 18th century and free thinking rebellion against it which really started English liberal thinking, to understand this. Dawkins has also a touch of Stoicism (my opinion) in his manner, older than Christianity but deeply influential on Christianity's great marketing man St Paul.
Apart from what I believe to be his delusion blind spot, I rather admire Lord Winstone. He rightly slammed into creationists who only accept the bits of the bible they want to believe in and seems like a sensible fellow. But he must own up either he or Dawkins is deluded about god.
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Very dissapointed that you have sacked Carol she brings so much to the programme very enjoyable to watch and interesting it is a great loss POLITICAL CORRECTNESS GONE MAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Carol Thatcher's sacking: This is PC gone mad. She is patently not a racist - but even if she was, this is still a free country last time I checked and free speech is what separates us from the likes of China or Burma etc. This was an off-air conversation. Which sneak told tales and got her fired? I suspect one of the other guests perhaps no names no pack drill...
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I wish to strongly condemn the BBC action over Carole Thatcher's dismissal from the One Show. I am speechless with anger.
First Gaza and now this. The BBC has gone bonkers. Middle weight management mired in mediocrity. Pea sized brains paralysed by a misguided sense of self-importance.
When I was a child I had a golliwog, a much loved black baby doll, my favourite books included the adventures of Little Black Sambo. And, yes, I collected golliwog tokens from Golden Shred and just last year I bought my grand daughter a golliwog in St. Lucia.
I will boycott this show in future. Carole Thatcher is a much-loved journalist of sterling reputation, head and shoulders above Adrian what's his name and his simpering co-presenter. And, as a bonus, I will be happy not to have to listen to their nightly strangulations of the English language.
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Oh by the way!. Good Christians can search their souls and compassionately forgive the sinner. Good night and God bless...
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In Bromyard a shop displayed a Gollywog as part of a window display. A London visitor to our small Herefordshire town reported it to the police who investigated it and warned the shopkeeper.
In London a respected commentator uses the word Gollywog in front of a very self important presenter and a politically correct comedy performer in a private conversation. She's sacked from her job.
In the 2010 election a whole government of politically correct sycophants will also get sacked by a nation who is sick of this daft political correctness that has overtaken the an establishment based around the chattering classes that reflect both those who sit in Government and the BBC management who come out of the same mould.
I have watched The One Show probably three days a week. I'll not be watching it again as I believe that only by not being a customer does a supplier learn that they've messed up.
CT is big enough to put two fingers up to The One Show and have a career long after The One Show is a distant memory.
(Oh .... and why have I had a dig at Adrian Childs - only a few years ago he was one of the lads, on the terraces at Albion, trading insults with the opposition like the rest of us - oh for some recordings of that!!!! )
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we were also bought up on the black and white minstrel show of which i never saw as being racist! Little black sambo was a favourite book of mine and my parents bought me a 3 ft golly who i loved and kept with me at night as he was a cherished toy.
If we were racist would we be loving these toys or would our parents given to them for us to love
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was it Chiles who reported Carol .... Just want to get my facts right
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I don't agree that only ethnic minorities are not ashamed of their faith. I would say that ALL evangelicals are NOT ashamed of their faith of whatever race.
I am a Christian who is certainly not ashamed of Jesus Christ and have written many poems on my website to that effect.
One related point I would make is that many Christians are unaware of the evidence for God in "nature's" design - even many scientific non-christians do not accept spontaneous life. One example is the confessed secularist Francis Crick, the Nobel laureate biologist who discovered the DNA Double Helix, he said "The DNA molecule is far too complex to have evolved spontaneously on Earth in the short time between the formation of this planet 4 billion years ago and the first appearance of life 3.8 billion years ago." (quote from the Bible Code II by Michael Drosnin, page 144).
Those who use DNA as evidence for evolution quite frankly are not looking at all the facts.
Lastly, I'm looking forward to meeting Charles Darwin who put his eternal hope in Jesus Christ about one year before his death. - he's been in heaven now with his Saviour for 150 years!
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.... just following on from my comments. I took the report that Adrian Chiles (sorry - mishit the key in my last spelling of his name) and Jo Brand had done the reporting. If wrong I owe them an apology -nowadays you should never repeat a BBC news report believing it to be totally accurate.
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I think Carol Thatcher should be presenting the One Show. Anyway, since when did Jo Brand have such high morals - the vile little tale-teller!Time for Adrian to go too - boring-boring-boring......
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I can't believe the BBC is making such a big deal of a comment made by Carol Thatcher, I very much doubt it was said with malice, it wasn't on air and very likely to have been taken out of context.
I am getting fed up with having to tip toe around what we say and do, our childrens books which we have enjoyed for many years have been re-written so as not to offend, childrens nusery rymes re-told so as not to offend, we are the only country that live our every day minding our p's and q's so as not to offend, just for once can this not be a mole hill to a mountain, let Carol take her foot out of her mouth apologise and get on with our business till the next time......
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I am very happy to be informed that those who were present in the green room are not Christians. Adrian has made it clear that only people of faith have moral values.
Well he and his colleagues did not seem to have many moral values when denouncing Carol Thatcher for a remark made in private. A person of faith would have made the complaint to her face there and then not two days later. I hope the direction will have the courage to inform us precisely who did the denouncing. Who is playing politics? Your poo stirrer?
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I find the presenters of this show rather offensive! Why they should presume to act as my representative in matters "P.C." I do not know. Chiles in particular is dictatorial and quite unpleasant, while the young woman is merely inept and inexperienced. Carol Thatcher is more able, more likeable, and definitely a better presenter.
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I thought the show was excellent tonight. The discussion about God hit the nail right on the head. I'm a white, middle class Christian (as the one show described) and can relate completely to everything said on the show. I hardly ever mention God because people get really defensive as soon as the topic comes up. However, while Christians get shot down the minute they mention God, atheists tend to be very forward about their non-belief in my experience. Christians always get accused of pushing their beliefs onto other people, when in fact it is completely the other way round - every day the Church gets bombarded with abuse and has to constantly try and stand up for itself in an anti-religious socety. I'd like to believe I'm not embarassed about my faith, but yet I don't mention it because people always kick off about it and I don't want to cause an argument.
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CAROL THATCHER
Poor Carol. There she was in the Green Room, having a few after work drinks and a laugh and a joke with work colleagues she no doubt thought she could trust,only to find herself sacked from her post just 48 hours later.
So what did she do wrong to deserve such a heavy punishment?
Made a silly comment about someone's hair. The sort of thing many of us might regretably do after a few drinks.
I find it extremely ugly that Adrian Chiles, a sluggish sloth of a man with a miserable face, snitched on Carol and thereby brought about this entirely ridiculous saga!
Carol is much livelier and more interesting than Chiles could ever be, in fact I cannot see why he is on the box at all, he is so dull and boring.
It must be obvious to all viewers that Adrian's only interest in the show is his co-presenter Christine.
The on screen chemistry between the two of them is embarassing to watch at times what with the touching of arms and dear Christine's screeching cackle at Chiles' every remark.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE BBC, dump this pathetic snitch who is totally out of order for reporting on a private conversation. After all his sad behaviour shows he really cannot be trusted.
More than this, a decent person in his place might calm the giggly Christine who would be just fine if it wasn't for her tragic cackle.
Lots of love, Caroline x
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I saw the Chiles blunder on Lynda Bellingham last week and I thought it was disgraceful. No apology then was there?
Now someone's sacked Carol Thatcher for some comment made in private. (Not really sure why she was employed in the first place except in the hope of a gaffe).
I won't be watching this show again. It seems to have very low standards which it struggles to achieve.
We're watching Channel 4 news instead in future.
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ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
ADRIAN CHILES SHOULD BE FIRED FOR CLAIMING THE 7.7 MILLION ATHEISTS IN THE UK HAVE NO MORALS.
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caroline hit thenail on the head my partner and i squirm at Chiles and Chritine with their constant flirting and christine finding everything Chiles does as funny.
I can recall Chiles bein very flipent when wearing a pair of ladies high heel shoes... was not this a slurr on the mant transgender and transexual population. He saw it as a laugh
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Like many of you on here tonight, this is my first time writing on a blog but the sacking of Carol Thatcher from The One Show has compelled me to do so.
What on earth is going on?
Shame on the BBC for sacking her and shame on the person for 'talking out of school'. From what I've read about the conversation, the media are yet again completely blowing things out of proportion and even mis-quoting her.
Until Carol gives her version of the story (and frankly I don't think she should give the BBC the satisfaction of responding), we'll never know what was actually said because who can believe anything the media say. Whoever reported her (male or female) could well have revised their version of events.
For what my view is worth (and that's not much I'm afraid) I think Carol is great, has a great personality and brings such humour to everything she does. No apology or explanation is necessary from her at all.
To be honest, all this being careful about what we say has just gone too far.
As for you, the BBC, very disappointed indeed. Haven't you got better things to report on?
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I wish to add to those pointing out that Adrian's remark about atheists having no morals was as insulting to atheists, as Carol Thatcher's remark about the tennis player was. And then the comment soon after that people were private about their religion...!
The whole point about the atheist bus campaign, as originated by Ariane Sherine, was that she saw an advert on a bus (which incidentally didn't provoke a feature on the programme - why is this, pray?!) directing people to a website, which when she looked at it said that nonbelievers would all basically burn after death in a lake of fire, or whatever. Taking the view that perhaps there was a more cheerful way to view the world, and that perhaps the threat in this website referred to in the ad was actually quite nasty and violent, she came up with the idea that perhaps it might be better to just live your life, enjoy it, and don't worry about the probably fictitious consequences afterwards. The advert wasn't Dawkins's idea, he simply supported it and sponsored it. As did a lot of us.
If religious ads never appeared, then there would not be a perceived need for the atheist ones. The most insulting religious one I can think of, is the one with the quote, "The fool has said in his heart, there is no God." The atheist advert doesn't include an insult in its text, does it? But the religious one is OK?
Perhaps the format of the programme, with about two minutes for each subject, does not allow for any in-depth thought on screen, but perhaps some thought could be given before the show is aired next time, to the likely response of the viewers?
And how about asking Ariane Sherine if she will explain to Adrian the point. For, ooh, three minutes, if the schedule will allow, before going on to Phil Tufnell talking about the origins of the name of the famous Somerset town of Nempnett Thrubwell.
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I can only add to these comments re: Carol Thatcher.
Has the BBC totally lost the plot?? I wish the BBC hierarchy would step down off their high horses instead of seeking to make examples of people who make unpopular remarks.
We are all human and we shouldn't be expected to scrutinise everything we say in case we offend. Was Adrian Chiles waiting with a recorder for someone to say something contraversial so they could then rush to the 'boss of political correctness' for immediate action??!!
The ordinary man/woman on the street supports you Carol and the BBC should know it.
Stop following your own agenda BBC and start using some common sense.
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I think the amount of blogs that have appeared tonight show how deeply people feel about the injustice of the sacking of Carol, so much so that so many like myself who have never put hand to key before have felt compelled to do so.
This must show that the British public are now saying enough is enough, life is hard enough, with the credit crunch and other strains we have in life without small minded people complaining about such a silly thing and in the process causing a fantastic spokeswoman for this country to lose her job.
BBC listen to you Employers... the british public
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No one likes a grass.
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You've gone too far this time - way too far in fact, in picking the wrong "example" of a racist/unacceptable remark, and the wrong person as well.
Whatever you may say about Carol she can never be accused of displaying or suggesting racist tendencies of any description; she seems like a really lovely, if possibly a little scatty lady - the antithesis of her brother and mother!!
You might as well ban anyone over the age of 50 from appearing on the BBC at this rate; you cannot make our memories of the Robertson's "gollywog" disappear; anyone of my age might make the same comment about someone with no overtones of racism.
Good on Carol for not coming up with a mealy-mouthed "wholehearted" apology to make the issue disappear. If your reporting is true, apart from anything else she has her finger on the nation's pulse much more than you do at the BBC.
I despair!
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Shame on Chiles, shame on the BBC, shame on this nanny state !
The one show is something myself and partner look forward to every evening. No more.
While I don't like Carol Thatcher. Her private conversations, views or her parentage (which I suspect is more an issue with Chiles and Jo Brand than her comments) should have no reflection on what we the viewers hear and see in her articles. And certainly shouldn't be causing this much fuss.
The last time I encountered this sort of telling tales was in Junior school, when most people learnt that nobody likes a tell tale. Oh and the other time was in George Orwell's 1984.
Chiles, get a life and a new football team after tonights performance.....guess you don't like that eh ? go tell the producer.
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I think that the BBC may in breach of confidentiality.
If were to make a comment at work in front of other colleagues that they found offensive, and my employer found that it was grave enough to "let me go", the matter would be private. If they needed to issue a press release, it would simply say that I was no longer part of their organisation.
The BBC appears to be deliberately shouting out to the UK details of a confidential employment issue. Through its news operation, they have some facts but news presenters are then speculating. That does demonstrate good quality news reporting.
This matter appears to have been private, and should have been dealy with privately.
I think very much less of Carol Thatcher's reported colleagues in the Green Room now.
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Well said Marcusbailius it was Ariane Sherine's idea for the bus. The arguments were totally onesided. No Ariane and no Dawkins to give their points. Atheists ask only one thing - if it's true show us the evidence; to which the reply is often difficult if not impossible to answer. This may be why people of faith find it embarrassing to talk about religion - it is hard to rebuke hard evidence.
Thanks Andy.
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I think that the BBC may in breach of confidentiality.
If I were to make a comment at work in front of other colleagues that they found offensive, and my employer found that it was grave enough to "let me go" (gross misconduct), the matter would be private. If they needed to issue a press release, it would simply say that I was no longer part of their organisation.
The BBC appears to be deliberately shouting out to the UK details of a confidential employment issue. Through its news operation, they have some facts but news presenters are then speculating. That does NOT demonstrate good quality news reporting.
This matter appears to have been private, and should have been dealt with privately.
I think very much less of Carol Thatcher's reported colleagues in the Green Room now.
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I've just read an article on www.guardian.co.uk and find it quite hard to believe what I'm reading.
Read it for yourselves and see if you feel the same.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/feb/03/carol-thatcher-faces-ban-over-golliwog-remark
Apparently their source said that Adrian Chiles was 'outraged' by what he heard and he and Jo Brand challenged Carol about it.
What a load of tosh ! I can't believe for one minute that Adrian or Jo (who has probably said much worse during her stand-up routines) would be remotely offended.
So, who is the source? Stand up and be counted you coward !!!
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Come on Adrian show your spunk and discuss openly the Carol Thatcher incident and lets find out how this incident has escalated out of proportion.
I hope you are never 'repremanded' for saying something rude, naughty or regretful otherwise we will loose another interesting feature to the One Show - And who did spill the beans?
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... like many others I only signed on the write on this blog to complain about the Thatcher sacking (something I relished nearly 20 years ago) and am too a blog virgin.
Coming back an hour later to read further, it occurs to me that contributors appear to be white, middle class, middle England 50+ year olds ....... me in fact.
This probably reflects The One Show audiance. But it also reflects an ignored majority who don't count for much in the eyes of the trendy university educated 30-40 something year olds who now seem to run things at BBC.
Here's some news for them - we - the 50plus middle englanders are close to an electorial majority and we are starting to kick back. You'll do something soon - and this might be it - that is the straw that breaks the camels back.
FINAL POINT
Just watched BBC News - who put out pure proaganda defending the decision rather than a news report - disgraceful.
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Orangeft, oh dear, you have mixed up your Bible stories !!
If you read it again you will find that Adam and Eve also had daughters. Obviousy the sons married the daughters. That may be wrong today but these were the only people on the planet. The Bible does not say that Cain killed Abel before they had chance to have children.
Adam and Eve also went on to have more children, and they lived hundreds of years!
It was Noah who survived the flood not Moses! also his wife and 3 sons and their wives.
We are all free to believe what we want, but I do feel sorry for those who have no belief in God, how do they cope?
I talk to God every day as to a friend, I give him all my worries and concerns (including atheists)
I have received many wonderful answers to prayer, are they just coincidences????????
We hear constantly about how we cannot do this or that or say this or that in case it offends someone. Well it offends me to see that rubbish on the buses. Will it be removed? I doubt it, I am not a Muslim. I am a Christian and no one seems to care abour our "rights".
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I was appalled by Adrian's comments about the 'atheist bus' & his interpretation of its meaning; if this had been in relation to any conventional religion he would be sacked & rightly so. At the very least he should publicly apologise on tomorrows show.
Ian, Bedford
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I AM NOT ASHAMED OF GOD, I LOVE HIM
I AM NOT ASHAMED OF GOD, I LOVE HIM
I AM NOT ASHAMED OF GOD, I LOVE HIM, X BILLIONS
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I too watched the bbc news about the Thatcher 'golliwog' incident. What an unfortunate hairstyle the lawyer had. Was someone having a laugh?
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Re: Carole Thatcher's off screen comment.
The BBC has again over reacted to a private comment most likely said without any malice.
The purists within the BBC must realise that such actions are taking politcal correctness to the point where any non neutral comment may produce an extreme reaction. The Nazi's thrived on such fear and we don't want it here.
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Allum 1968
You want proof that God exists?
Look at Jesus Christ and His resurrection
Read the fulfilment of prophecies in the Bible
Look at nature and all life around you, do you really believe all this came from a speck of slime? where did the speck of slime come from?
Watch a baby being born, watch a flower grow from a seed or bulb, watch how the bees find their way home.
Look at the change in a persons life when they accept Jesus christ as their saviour.
Look at the miracles which happen every day, yes, they are there.
I rest my case. May God bless you and send his Holy Spirit to reach your heart, he will make you a new person and you will be saved for eternity.
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I do not usually write letters but the older I get the more irritated I am with this country.
I mostly enjoy the one show and love Carol Thatcher such a down to earth lady who used an expression which actually istions of a cuddly dolly,which every one of a certain age knew and loved. There was never any nasty connotations attached to a golliwog. They are still sold in many shops. I think it is time that people in the BBC grew up and lived in the real world.
I am certainly more upset that Russ Brand and Johnathon Ross have not been prosecuted for their obscene phone calls and disgusting lewd comments which are more remeniscent of 'Dirty Old Men' or is that a word that shouldn't be used.
I think Carols comments were not on air and the person who drew attention to them should be put in the stocks. I for one will not be watching again.
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Maranather, when you pray and recieve the answers do you think that this might be that you are planting the thought into your subconscious mind which then works to solve the problem? This is quite a normal response for your brain to carry out. It will carry on working on your behalf independantly of your conscious thoughts. What you are doing is then going on to attribute God for the answer. This happens to me often; it is not coincidence it is just your subconscious working.
Thanks Andy.
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Only in this country would you fire someone for making a private harmless comment. For heaven's sake - has no-one any COMMON SENSE there? As far as reported, Carol's remarks related to a charachter on a jar of marmalade from her youth. I can remember it too. It was called a "GW". Its a statement of fact. Would you have fired her for saying "Gosh, that man looks like Homer Simpson". No!! Whoever you are who decided to sack her - frankly you're an idiot. Whoever "reported" her - shame on you. Hand on heart are you so perfect? You've lost another 2 viewers in this house.
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Adrian Chiles is getting a very bad reputation as a petty tell tale, deserved or not. Carol shouldn't have said what she did but the BBC have a ludicrous obsession about being fair and transparent, and she certainly shouldn't have been fired.
BRING BACK CAROL!
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This is my first time ever to sign on any blog and so my first comment. I have been tempted before, but the Carol Thatcher sacking has made me so mad.
I occasionally watch The One Show and always found the Carol Thatcher bit the best bit. What is going on at the BBC, Jonathan Ross can get away saying what he likes on air and get paid shed loads of money, but Carol gets sacked for something she said off air. PC gone mad and the BBC confirming it is mad.
Please can the "tell tale" person own up? we would all like to know exactly who reported it, and why was it not dealt with privately.
I have talked to lots of friends and they all feel the same, we will not be watching The One Show again.
JadedJoy
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i am absolutely apalled to think that what Carol said in private should be reported by her colleagues. Is there no loyalty left anymore? She meant no offence by it- after all g......gs are a well loved toy that have always brought happiness to children. No one took offence at the black and white minstrel shows.
Shall we start complaining about white lines in the road and white bread etc?
England has gone totally mad with this political correctness. Bring Carol back- thats if she still wants to be part of the show. She is an intelligent, quirky person with a fabulous personality and outlook on life.
Good luck to you Carol, and never change for these narrow minded individuals.
Diane and Frank in Spain
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I don't have problem with the wonders of nature Maranather. I just don't understand why any culture would want to invent a deity to explain nature when there is no need to. It is strange to me why people want to believe in the supernatural when the wonders of nature are there to enjoy. I read a short time back "why do you need to invent fairies at the bottom of the garden to make the garden wonderful".
Thanks Andy.
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What a crazy decision to ban Carol Thatcher…even if she’d said “golliwog” on-air, let alone off-air.
The person the show needs to lose is Dominic Littlewood who offends every time he opens his mouth, nice guy though he might be.
I’m not taking about his accent (I have no complaint about the Irish, Brummie or other accents we hear daily). I’m talking about poor English, dropped letters, poor enunciation…and a very irritating squeaky voice. It’s easy to use “regional accent” as an excuse for bad speech, but that’s all it is – an excuse.
I object very strongly to the BBC letting people like Dominic teaching my children how to speak, nice guy though he might be. I switch off when he appears. Drop him!
Dave, Newbury
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I missed tonight's show, but it appears Adrian has snitched on a behind the scenes comment by one of his colleagues, tut tut Adrian, big mistake, now people will be careful what they say in front of you. I don't like the term golliwog, it sounds derogatory, Carol deserves a rap on the knuckles for sure, but not sacking! Vi, Northumberland.
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Hi
I am very sorry to hear that Carol Thatcher was sacked from the One Show. I really liked her as a presenter.
I really like the variety of having different presenters brought in on different stories.
I don't agree with racism, and it should be stood against. But was she really being racist ? Yvonne
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Well, evidently *someone* from the BBC reads these - the Facebook group I have created, and linked on here was removed pretty swiftly.
Well, Mr BBC - it won't stop the protest! People know well enough how to search Facebook and other sites for references to giving Carol Thatcher her slot back.
It is just yet another example of how petty and dictatorial the BBC is, and how determined it seems to be to stamp out the very free speech it claims as its own right, to boot!
I'd also like to add that if it was, as seems to be the concensus at present, Adrian Chiles who together with that Jo Brand character (which is pretty close to my own definition of offinsive), he has gone very, very far down in my estimation.
He is not beyond making a gaffe or two of his own - as his sex obsessed presentation confirms - perhaps he should look in the moral mirror first.
And, people, is it not just a little suspicious that there are no clear links to communication with the Director General of the BBC - a man answerable to us, after all, and more than a little responsible for this mess we call the BBC.
What's more, I'm willing to bet that he doesn't have the decency to reply to me with any justification whatsoever for the treatement of Carol Thatcher versus the treatment of Jonathan Ross (or Russell Brand).
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is it any wonder that people do not want to discuss God openly, when a nurse offers to pray for a patients return to full health and is threatened with being struck off. I find it odd that the reporter did not highlight this case as a reason for peoples reluctance to discuss God on camera and also a reason why the number of people attending church continues to fall. Taplamb
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Very sad that Carol Thatcher has fallen foul of the PC brigade. What on earth happened to the verbal warning and the written warning before being fired? That is the usual course of action, unless this trivial comment uttered in private is deemed as gross misconduct - which I would very much suggest is no such thing.
I used to be a rean fan of this excellent show but now I am not sure if I could stomach watching the team be so jovial in future knowing what "retentive" types are in charge.
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Wow, Carol, what a stir you have caused! Hopefully you'll read all these comments, especially from the 'new bloggers' who feel compelled to support you in this ludicrous situation...
There is a shop near me which sells these so-called 'offensive' dolls....I STILL have mine from thirty-something years ago....and like Woodivere (above) I enjoyed collecting the jam stickers. I had a 'Sasha' doll who was (described in the actual uninfluenced words of my 7 yr old son) 'flavoured'...Oooops, is that not a PC word??
I also had a 'brown-skinned' nanny in my early years.
I make celebration cakes and would you know it, have even had a Gollywog commission, for a white child of 9! No offense caused.
So, Clashawn (above) please try not to sound quite so mortified at such trivial comments taken out of context. In private we all know we have said and done things not for public use. None of us are racist and nor is Carol. So Adrian, have a word with yourself....Let's not kill people's spontaneity`
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Oh dear - sorry to see the over reaction of the BBC to an allegedly (because we never saw or heard it) racist remark. She is a lively and plain speaking person, without malice, so somebody is clearly being over sensitive in making a big issue of this. Jonathan Ross has regularly got away with much more offensive remarks, and even when pulled up, only got suspended. Surely your staff are intelligent enough to distinguish between malicious insults and innocent remarks that are made by people 'of a certain age' before political correctness became such an issue.
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Who did the snitch on Carole Thatcher? How low is that? The Beeb is so scared of it's shadow nowdays, first the competition scams then J Ross and R Brand - now Carole T. Where will it all end? 1984 is now 2009.
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Golliwogs were popular toys until the sixties. Little Black Sambo was the Harry Potter of his day. Robertsons Golly badges were prized possessions. Children saw no racism in them.
Now people of a younger generation who do not understand this have reacted like Victorian ladies having the vapours because someone has said 'leg' in their presence.
Carol and all those of us over fifty would see nothing wrong or insulting in referring to Golliwogs. (As we now live in a multi-racial society, why doesn't someone revive them in more modern dress?) The BBC has acted sanctimoniously and stupidly. It is they who should apologise to Carol for the damage they have done to her reputation.
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Sack the inept Benny Hill lookalike!
Sack the inept Benny Hill lookalike!
Sack the inept Benny Hill lookalike!
Sack the inept Benny Hill lookalike!
Sack the inept Benny Hill lookalike!
Sack the inept Benny Hill lookalike!
Sack the inept Benny Hill lookalike!
Wasn't Adrian seen leaving Christine's house early one morning according to a newspaper report?
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Referring to a black man as a golliwog is simply not acceptable.
Well done, BBC, for refusing to use my licence fee to condone casual racism.
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Andysaul1
Get off your PC high horse!
Have you ever heard anybody call a black person to their face as Golliwog?
In any case most UK children were brought up on much loved Golliwog or Golly badges or soft toys! At 60 I still have both of mine!
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Bring back Carol!
Bosses are a bunch of PC fearties!
Golliwogs live on!
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I still have my Golly badge (it is 50+ years old).
That guy on the news had a real haircut? Can we have white Golliwogs?
If so, he is the real thing?
Give Carol her job back! How PC can you get?
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Is Adrian Chiles a man or a boy running to tell tales of what people said like a child to a teacher,I watched the One Show most nights and enjoyed it, but lately Adrian has been asking silly questions to guests and the show has been going down hill. Now i will watch reruns of the Simpsons instead more entertaining.ps he has put me off Match of the day aswell.
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To support Carol Thatcher I suggest subscribers click the 'complaints' button on this site and make your feelings known officially. It is not hard to do. If the BBC saw fit to keep Ross on TV and Radio for his obnoxious behaviour, then why have they banned Carol Thatcher for merely saying golliwog. If they remove Carol then they should in all honesty remove Ross, don't you agree? It smacks of very undesirable double standards in my view.
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Everyone seems to be missing the point that Carol Thatcher was referring to a Scots tennis player's hair. That tennis player isn't black.
So is it still racist?
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Well Burnley certainly showed what they thought of Adrian's morals with a good hammering of his beloved Baggies.
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To support Carol Thatcher I suggest subscribers click the 'complaints' button on this site and make your feelings known officially. It is not hard to do. If the BBC saw fit to keep Ross on TV and Radio for his obnoxious behaviour, then why have they banned Carol Thatcher for merely saying golliwog. If they remove Carol then they should in all honesty remove Ross, don't you agree? It smacks of very undesirable double standards in my view. Maybe, if it was Chiles who made the complaint, he was being over-sensitive due to Christine having a dark skin (or is it just make-up) and took offence on her behalf. It is still childish. I would add also that I am an Athiest and I object to being accused by Chiles of having no morals. That is an insult.
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The One show, like the BBC as a whole, is now a pathetic rabble. Who is Chiles to say that certain people do not have morals, and then go on to blab on Carol Thatcher?
I have not much like or dread of Carol Thatcher, but certainly she is better presented than say, Jonathan Ross and does not deserve all this stupidity - especially when she was only comparing a white tennis palyer's hair to a golliwog!
C'mon, get real.
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come on child admit on T V you reported poor carol.......................
Was she to clever and intelligent for you...
BBC SHOULD BE ASHAMED
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I have watched the one show almost every day since it launched, however in light of the decision to sack Carol Thatcher i will never watch the show again and will recomend others to do the same. For a private conversation to be leaked to the media by more than likely a presenter or guest of the show is beyond belief. I firmly believe that Carol Thatcher did not mean any offence in her comment about somebodies hair, what happened to FREEDOM OF SPEECH the BBC has gone too far.
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Why is it okay for your presenters to flaunt their personal relationship all over the One Show but not alright for Carol Thatcher to speak privately.
Your behaviour reminds me of the behaviour of Social Service Departments who are so wrapped up in political correctness that nobody feels they can speak freely because if they do they risk suspension or even the sack.
We need people like Carol Thatcher, we do not need twerps like Adrian and Christine.
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I am suprised about your treatment of Carol Thatcher I think people of a certain age will well know we grew up with Gollywogs on our marmalade and used to clloect them for a badge- we did not have a racist bone in our bodies - so am I a racist as well then!!??
Adrian Chiles needs to not be so judgemental as he quite often makes flippant off the cuff remarks that are not excatly PC!! as in last nights show making glib remarks about Christians as an example - think you need a change of presenters anyway to freshen the show up they are past their sell by date time to ditch the slouch on the couch!!
Nigel Newton Abbot
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Child and Christine keep secrets when they want too??? but dont when it suits them as in reporting poor carol
they are just a flash in the pan...we will not remember them in a few years .......but will always remember Carol...........
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the show was great. however i find it disgraceful that a private conversation has been made public in such a way that a member of the team has been axed!!! if she'd have said it live on tv then fine, but my god, we're all entitled to say what we want in a private conversation.... thats almost the point of having a private conversation!!! the world has gone mad!!! the bbc can broadcast pictures of dead bodies lying in the streets at 6 o clock in the evening (while most children are still awake!!!) without anyone batting an eyelid but someone dares to make a remark in a private conversation and they get the boot!!! what on earth is going on???????
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Whoever thought they were being public spirited in 'shopping' Carol Thatcher should have the guts to stand up to be counted. My generation grew up with the Golly on the jar and he was held in great affection. We all wanted one and he came second only to the teddy bear. Her comments were not used in a racist or derogatory way and weren't even made about a black person. For goodness sake! I hope Carol Thatcher will take legal action, not against the BBC but against the person who has defamed her and lost her employment. Come on, whoever you are, own up. If you are so sure you are right then you won't mind your name going public as Carol Thatcher's has.
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The answer is simple. If you disagree with Carol being sacked then stop watching 'The One Show'. With any luck the BBC will cancel it!
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I am appalled at the treatment of Carol Thatcher, this is PC gone mad and after all a private conversation is a private conversation or did Adrian think he'd get a few brownie points. I for one won't be watching the show again although on the whole I've enjoyed it since it started. Come on folks get real, our generation was brought up with Robertsons Marmalade and Gollywogs and don't see anything racist especially as is was supposed to be a joke.
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I never sign in to comment features like this but i feel compelled to now. I generally really enjoy the One Show, but I am horrified by the treatment of Carol Thatcher. She is being branded a racist and fired by the BBC over a thoughtless but private comment. I am horrified that someone saw fit to report the incident both to the BBC and to the media and i am angry at the response of the BBC. When we compare the behaviour and conversation of Carol with that of the horrendous Jonathan Ross that the BBC sees fit to pay £6 million a year to, well Carol's comment pales into insignificance. I am not condoning Carol's comment but it should have been dealt with in a more measured way - if the person who was "offended" by it did not have the guts to deal with it personally (what a poor spineless human being that must be) then the BBC bosses should have dealt with it in confidence and it should have gone no further. Talk about taking a slegehammer to crack a nut - the BBC has 2 modes, limp or over-reaction! Wake up and earn your salaries! Managing people is a skill not a knee jerk reaction!
Goodbye One Show - you are no longer on my viewing list ... how many more BBC shows have to go the same way before someone sits up and takes notice?
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How very disappointing that someone was so incensed over a casual remark in private that they felt it necessary to complain to the management.
When I heard the report of the comment I though immediately that the subject was probably the said tennis player's hair, not his skin colour which was being commented upon, as I thought the same as Carol abouta certain scotsman.
I can only hope that, if Carol Thatcher is to be dismissed in this way, that services of Jonathan Ross will also be dispensed with in the interests of fairness.
Adrian, if it WAS you, make a public announcement please so that we can all switch you off in future.
This decision by The BBC is pathetic. No action was necessary. Was it a case of "She goes or I go"?
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I agree with the comments in support of Carol Thatcher, and despise her sad snitch. Surely there is some loyalty between team members and especially confidentiality for private conversation.
I very much enjoy the show and will continue watching in the hope that the 'Thatch' will return soon.
Adrian consider yourself kicked in the slats.
Michael
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samvicanne beat me to it! The guy on the BBC news giving his expert opinion on the Carol Thatcher story had a haircut just like the golliwog doll that I had as a child. It's uncanny!
Like many others, I was an an avid collector of gollies from Robertson's jam. You can still buy new ones, and old ones are collectors' items. Thanks to you guys their value will go up.
It is reported that Carol's private comment was about Andy Murray's former hairstyle. Was she guilty of a slight against the Scots? I'm a regular One Show viewer. I'm also a regular Friday Night with JR viewer. Jonathan Ross often makes offensive comments. Why is he still with the BBC?
I foresee a torrent of complaints against the BBC for "offending" content.
Let's hear what Hardeep has to say on the subject. I'm sure he would make us laugh!
Peter of Chippenham (famous for ...)
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Formally reporting Carol Thatcher’s off-air private comment was a disproportionate action by a sanctimonious politically correct jobsworth. If a normal person had found the comment offensive, they would have said so to her face and left it there, no need to lay a formal complaint, it’s not what you do to a colleague.
The One Show joins the list of programmes which I shall no longer bother to watch.
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I agree with the comments supporting Carol Thatcher, shame on you one show.
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My grandchildren - who are of ethnic background - one 13 one 18 - both have had for birthday presents a book entitled "Little Black Sambo" Neither one of them, their parents nor my wife or myself have taken offence at this . It is the PC Brigade who are making mountains out of molehills over Ms Thatcher's comments. If her sacking has resulted from being reported by her fellow presenters - I find that deplorable - and the One Show will have one less viewer tonight !
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I don't think I have ever seen Christine Bleakley wear the same outfit twice. Is this vast wardrobe paid for by the T.V. licence or do local stores lend clothes to the programme? Whoever chooses the clothes for her doesn't do her any favours, especially with the overdone tan. Suzanne Virdee of Midlands today always looks feminine, has some lovely clothes which suit her and has excellent taste. Perhaps she could take Christine shopping.
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I think the Carol Thatcher 'stitch-up' makes the sight of Adrian, Christine and the thought of the background staff too nauseous for me to watch for quite a while.
So as they say in the Dragons Den; 'I'm out'.
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I can't believe that Carol Thatcher has been sacked from the show for an off air comment that wouldn't have offended my black friends let alone one of her so called colleagues, it seems the BBC are frightened since the Brand/Ross affair when will normality be resumed? I am hoping for some explanations on tonight's show if not you can count on loosing another 2 viewers
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Adrian Chiles should worry about his own morals,leave Carol Thatcher alone. How come BBC let Ross off the hook.Wont be watching The One Show any more.
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please give us two good prsenters on the one show.....Dan Snow and Carol Thatcher
AND GET RID childs and bleakly for good
They should be ashamed of themselves for what they have done
Hope David Frost says something to noght in favour of Carol
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Hi, I agree with items 1 and 4 in this blog,
I hear from the BBC news that Carol Thatcher was in a private conversation with Adrian Childs and of all purest Jo Brand and it was them that leaked the story, of all the people to make such complaints is amazing!! I would not trust Adrian Childs now, not only does he look like a misery guts, but he is also a snitch,
As for Jo Brand I much preferred her when she was John Sargent, when Carol is back on the One show then I will start to view the program again, but don't hold you breath Snitch.
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I love the programme but won't watching until Carole Thatcher is reinstated.
Whoever was offended by her gollywog statement could and should have had a quiet word, not blow it up it into a major news story.
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I have always enjoyed the One Show and have been a great fan of the presenters. I, too, am disgusted that a private remark made by Carol Thatcher has been reported and, worse still, made public and become news. I think everyone has to be careful not to offend, but find it difficult to know who was offended in this case at the time of the conversation. If it was you, Adrian, that reported this, SHAME ON YOU, my opinion of you has changed. If it was the other person reported as present, Jo Brand, I am not entirely surprised given the obvious dislike shown by her to Miss Thatcher on the show, presumably because of whose daughter she is. It would prove just what a nasty, vindictive person she is.
NOT SO KEEN ON WATCHING NOW, FOLKS
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Ive never read anything so ridiculous as the 'gollywog' incident. I find it hard to believe that someone actually went and reported Carol Thatcher for using the word.
Its just crazy. I used to collect gollywogs years ago!! I think certain people just go around with great big chips on their shoulders. I hope she returns as i really enjoyed her segments. Come on people lighten up.
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Are you still there Chiles? Shameless.
You should at least have warned guests and colleagues that "incorrect" remarks on or off screen would be noted and used in evidence against them.
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I must agree with Neiljam and his view of both Adrian Chiles and Jo Brand. No doubt the full facts and the context in which the remark was made will come out in time. I always turn the channel over or leave the room when the unfunny Brand is on the TV. She is nasty and vindictive with her comments and I find her unwatchable.
If Chiles was the source of the leak, he would do well to ensure he lives a perfect life from now on or he may find the biter bit. I shall not be watching The One Show in future until the BBC let Christine do the show on her own. Her questions and comments are far more adult and interesting than those of Mr Chiles.
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Sad,sad,sad, disgusted in whichever snide person knifed Carol Thatcher, I don,t like her mother either but don't visit the sins of the mother on the daughter etc. Jo Brand certainly does'nt hold any moral high ground and Adrian Chiles- you've marketed yourself as one of the lads, sorry you don't get any credit for sneaking behind anyones backs with tale telling, or is this the BBC way to ingratiate with the employers? Who was the grass, we, the real employers should be told.
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The one show is TV's answer to the 'Pot Noodle'. You're tempted by it. It's cheap and filling but half an hour later you wish you hadn't bothered!
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Christine had nothing to do with this, it was all Adrian from recent reports.
Christine's ex mark Beirn ehas spoken to the Belfast Telegraph denying the rumours that it was Adrian that caused the split. He said it was a mutual agreement.
I suppose Christine would be too caught up in that to go snitching on guests.
Adrians just weird and can't take a joke. A gollywog is hardly insulting. I wonder if he being a catholic insulted gay people backstage would be called up about it. I think that if Christine said anything racist she would be called up as chiles is seen asstar of the show even when most want him gone.
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So it's Ok for Adrian to insult me and thousands of other viewers about what he believes, regarding the lack of morals of non believers, but not Ok for Carol to make a flippant comment in private. There is either a hidden agenda on the part of someone or hypocrisy here. Why, and to whom should Carol have to apologies.
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Two points about the show.
1st about religion I don't think people are embarrassed to talk about religion or christianity. More to the point people are becoming frightened to talk about christianity yet other faiths can more or less say what they choose. This fact was not brought out in the discussion on the programme. Why should tv presenters etc. not be allowed to wear crosses when people are allowed to wear turbans etc.
2nd point. The carol thatcher episode was absolutely disgraceful. Whatever is said in a private conversation should remain so. This is reminiscent of Nazi Germany in 1930's. Shame on the telltale whoever it was but this is now two viewers less for the one show. Hope others will follow.
This used to be a free country isn't that why we give asylum to so many immigrants. Jonathon Ross and Ramsey seem to be able to offend people on a regular basis and nothing is done about it. ( f word 127 times in Ramsey's programme recently.
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Hi, looking a little deeper into this “reporting” of Carol Thatcher, I might put some money on who snitched, JO Brand is a devout member of the British Labour party and republican who would love to see the Monarchy done away with, she despised Margret Thatcher and is not to keen on Carole, Its OK in her book to have a knock at people who do not follow her beliefs on a political front and I dare say she saw the opportunity to Drop Carol right in to it, Carol is the daughter of probably one of this countries greatest Prime ministers but that not her fault. The BBC should look at the way some of the presenters carry on in “Private” if they are so morally bound. Shame on the snitch
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Until today I was a big admirer of Adrian Chiles. Nobody likes sneaky tell-tales. I bet he was "Johnny No Mates" at school - always running to teacher grassing up the other kids.
Get a life Adrian !!!
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Up to now I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme. I really like the presenters and think that the format is excellent.
But now what is going on? Carole Thatcher has always been professional and easy to listen to etc. what madness to take her off and in such a way. What she said in private is of no business of anyone else. To have someone on the team who could report her like this is very sad and rather creepy. I for one will not be watching any longer as a protest until she is reinstated.......perhaps the person who reported her should be the one losing his/her job..........
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I just want to say Adrian Chiles is very cute xx
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BRING BACK CAROL
I am ouraged that Carol Thatcher has lost her job because someone was small minded enough to tell tales. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. The expresSion used by Carol was one that we grew up with and only in recent years has it become nonPC. If she had said it on air it would have been a different matter, but come on, it was said off air.
I shan't be watching the "ONE SHOW" anymore .
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Couldn't agree more.
What are the BBC thinking...
I have started a petition to 'Bring Back Carol Thatcher', please paste this link to sign.
www.PetitionOnline.com/1thatc8/
Many thanks
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I don't know why some people are surprised at Adrian Chiles actions regarding Carole Thatcher comments.
I remember he nearly had a heart attack once because someone mentioned the word penis - which to my knowledge is still not an offensive word.
I can only think this whole thing was done with malice towards Ms Thatcher.
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Just another small voice of a licence payer adding a comment about Carol Thatcher. This affair has given me an idea to set up a blog called 'Catch a Hack saying something naughty'. We could establish an army of concerned individuals armed with secret tape recorders, trawling the pubs around newspaper offices waiting, and probably not for long, for one of them in his or her cups, and note I apply equal opportunies principles here, to say something daft. But who would break the story, Mr Murdoch?- the BBC? I wonder!
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PETITION: BRING BACK CAROL THATCHER
PETITION: BRING BACK CAROL THATCHER
PETITION: BRING BACK CAROL THATCHER
PETITION: BRING BACK CAROL THATCHER
PETITION: BRING BACK CAROL THATCHER
Paste this link into your browser to sign:
www.PetitionOnline.com/1thatc8/
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Carol Thatcher.
Anne Robinson was not sacked for making derogatory comments about the Welsh !
I've reached the stage with the BBC and the PC Brigade that I no longer want to pay my licence fee - & if the the ethnic population -are devoid of a sense of humour - they should all bugger off back where they came from -
I have ethnic relatives - I've never been racist - but I'm reaching the point in life - when I will become racist if this stupidity continues. !
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I have never commented on this blog before, but wanted to say how disgusted I feel that Adrian Chiles should tell tales like this. I will not waste my time watching the One show again, the thought of what an unpleasant person he must be would always be at the back of my mind and would spoil it for me. Any offence caused, unintentionally, by Carol Thatcher is far outweighed by the nastiness of Chiles's tittle-tattling. I am not a racist at all, just anti back-stabbing.
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BBC this our the BRITISH peoples channel. Dismissing someone for a Private conversation is just not cricket. Are we going to sack the Prince of Wales becasue of his comments. Are we going to take Prince Harry off the civil list. Are we going to dis-own Prince Philip for ALL his faux pas!!! I think Not.
So for one PRIVATE comment in our supposed free speaking country you dismiss Carol - get real BBC. Let him without sin cast the 1st stone.
Carol comes from good stock, from a Mother who fought for our country. We should have more like her.
I also will not watch your poxy programme anymore. More people need to stand up for our country.
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The remark made by Carol Thatcher in The One Show Green Room last Thursday caused considerable offence.
The One Show's Green Room is a busy space and, on Thursday, there were external guests and several members of the One Show production team present, as well as Adrian, Christine and our celebrity guest Jo Brand.
In some reports it has been suggested that the word in question was used in jest. This was not the case and the use of the word to describe a black sportsman caused instant offence.
Jo questioned Carol about it at the time but, contrary to some recent press reports, neither she nor Adrian contacted the press. The following day, a number of people who had either heard the comment or learned of it, made their feelings known to the show’s executive producer, who raised the issue with Carol.
By this point, the press had contacted the BBC with details of the incident asking for comments. Carol was given every opportunity to discuss the issue and offer an unconditional apology but declined to do so.
Carol’s occasional role as a roving reporter for The One Show requires her to work closely with the team, report on a broad variety of issues and meet a wide range of people across the country, many of whom are unlikely to find her comment acceptable in any circumstances. As a result, The One Show will not be asking Carol to appear on the show again.
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Denise26
BBC this our the BRITISH peoples channel.
the bbc is not just for the BRITISH people its for the whole world. for anyone who's interested in british culture, news etc...
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Most of the above explanation is waffle, it is irrelevant who reported the use of golliwog to the executive producer of the One Show, the fact remains that there are a great many over-sensitised people who seek any opportunity to be insulted. These people have huge chips on their shoulders and would be offended by any innocently intended comment - as seems to be the case here.
The Golliwog's history is two-fold, in one sense he is a literary character held fondly in the hearts of many who grew up with the Black and White minstrel show and Edin Blyton books and in the other as a racial slur. I suspect that Carol was referring to the French tennis player in appearance only, comparing him to the golly rag doll - absolutely nothing wrong with that. If people want to read something into it, let them.
I really don't care who reported it, it is the BBC's responsibility to ensure these matters are dealt with appropriately and discreetly, when the press contacted the BBC they should have made 'no comment', but they couldn't resist another sensationalist 'racism' story.
The BBC's attitude will inevitably create a black / white divide when the vast majority of us are just living side by side quite happily without the BBC or the Government telling us what we can and can't say to eachother! A black lady stated as much on the Jeremy Vine show this afternoon when she said she's fed up with white people trying to defend them in this way, she was not offended and is also perfectly capable of standing up for herself - my sentiments exactly.
Stop inteferring BBC, we know how to behave without your guidance.
I reiterate, PLEASE SIGN THE 'BRING BACK CAROL PETITION'. Paste this into your browser.
www.PetitionOnline.com/1thatc8/
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Dear Host_Ryan,
Certainly appreciate that you've got to dish out the company spiel on the situation.
In my view, this still should not have been a matter for the press.
Any comments made in the workplace are a matter for the Human Resources Department and should not have been leaked.
Again, my opinion, but it certainly wasn't 'in the public's interest' to hear about this. It should have been handled internally and dealt with internally. Yes, the BBC have the right to not ask her to return to the show but that's none of our business. It's between Ms Thatcher and the BBC. We don't need to know.
Your colleagues should know better. It's no wonder that people are speculating on who reported it to the press when the person that did isn't brave enough to own up.
The media should know better too. Again, I don't believe this is something that's 'in the public's interest' so why release it as a story? There are much more important things going on in the world. They're the ones who make the public angry by over dramatising every little thing that people say and do.
One last thing . . . If Hardeep had made the comment, would people have leaked it and would the media be reporting it in the same way? I think not !
Good luck Carol! I'm sure we'll be seeing you again in the future, only in a much better assignment that deserves you.
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Host Ryan I smell a spin-doctor at work.
It is about time the PC brigade woke up and smelled the roses. This country is starting to go to the dogs as we are no longer allowed to say what we think unless it complies with the soft underbelly nandi pandy do gooders of this nanny state.
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As an avid supporter of the BBC over the years, I am dismayed by recent actions - and the Carol Thatcher episode is almost the last straw! - if only we could legally withhold the licence fee! Of the many blog remarks made so far, I believe only one supports the demise of C.T. Like many others of a certain age I regard the Gollywog with affection. I understand the comment was applied to a well-known Scot with unusually fluffy hair. Perhaps, as a fellow Scot I should be offended! There is a good Scots word for a person who tells tales - clype - and the person who clyped on CT should have the courage to own up. But that's not likely to happen. After all, who likes a person who clypes?
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What the heck is wrong with being called a gollywog anyway??? As i said before too many people going around with huge chips on their shoulders. Really petty and stupid. Put me right off the programme
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I've just come on and read through from my minor contribution last night. Another 100 or so blogs supporting Carol Thatcher, about 40 lost viewers (a drop in the ocean but for every one who writes it, 1000's will just do it) JUST ONE supporting the sacking and a grovelling justification from a spin doctor. At some stage somebody in the chattering establishment is going to realise that there is a Country outside London, peopled by millions of ordinary people who are getting pretty rebellious.
Silly straws break camels backs. I suspect that Adrian Chiles will become a long term casualty of this affair. From one of the lads just a few years ago he has become puffed up with self importance and will go the way of Simon Dee.
Jo Brand will continue to be loved by those who love her humour and detested by the majority. But at least she is consistant in her humour bypass on all matter racial and her hatred for the Thatcher family. Could she really resist an opportunity to shaft a member of the Thatcher family. Not in a million years.
And will anyone at the BBC take a blind bit of notice of the outcry ..... of course not because we are all intollerant biggots and they are the enlightened right.
Has anyone seen the Everton Player on the tele tonight - he has hair just like a .......... :)
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Carol Thatcher HAS apologised for any offence caused BUT this is not good enough for the BBC.
The BBC consider JONATHAN ROSS' apology more sincere and worthy of absolution. Jonathan Ross has constantly chuckled and made snide comments during his apparent apology - RUBBISH!
Carol back!
JR Out!
The BBC spokesperson on BBC Breakfast today tried to defend their decision and justify Jonathan Ross being let off. She failed miserably!
BBC should NOT get sole funding if this is how they conduct themselves!
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I watched the One Show last night for one reason only. It was to see Adrian Chiles attempt to re-instate his reputation as a MAN by justifying his snitching on Carol Thatcher. No such luck! For the entire half hour he sat there like nervous, twitching, nasty little schoolboy praying that nobody would invite him out into the schoolyard for a scrap. What a weasly, yellow-bellied excuse for a man !
Then we had the lady (?) from the BBC Gestapo on the Breakfast Show this morning becoming near hysterical about the fact that Carol Thatcher had wanted to include a comment in her apology that the remark was made in a "joking" manner. Not acceptable by the BBC .Gestapo. There was no Carol Thatcher nor a representative of Carol in the studio to give her side of the story. So much for the BBC's much vaunted reputation for impartiality and even-handedness!!! There are many things going "down the tubes" in this country - the BBC is not the least of them.
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Yes, let's hear from Carol. I noticed the only clip of her on the t.v. this morning was taken from the jungle - how ironic.
Please sign the petition http://www.PetitionOnline.com/1thatc8/petition.html
I too watched the first five minutes of the One Show last night, but it was so distasteful I turned it off.
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Further to the majority of previous comments, I too saw the BBC producer/controller or whatever defend the official position on Breakfast TV-Carol Thatcher was referred to as ...Carole Thatcher, whereas Jonathan Ross was referred to warmly as "Jonathan",very chummy and all that, easy to see whose behaviour is viewed sympathetically and who is the recipient of two generations of pent up spite, ps I'm an ex labour party member and feel she HAS been treated poorly and with bias-but then we all know that ,don't we ?
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I have only seen three shows having avoided the programme as I knew that if motor mouth Adrian Chiles was involved, anyone with anything interesting to say would be interrupted and 'talked over' just as in Match of the Day. That's if Christine Bleakley would give him the chance!.
Professor Robert Winston looked as frustrated as I was.
It was great when Bleakley was only a cardboard cut out. It would be even greater if they both were and then we would be allowed to hear what the guests had to say. You can certainly include that foul mouthed Jo Brand in the suggestion.
How she has the gall to feign socialist shock at the intelligent Carol Thatcher I do not know. Envy I suspect.
After eighty four years I still just love my golliwogg - what the heck is racist in that!
'No connection with any persons living or dead' ever crossed my mind until it was put there by politically correct racists.
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Supporters of Carol should also register a formal complaint here ...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/
One Show Bullies - you will not get away with it
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Surely the sense of the use of the word and to whom is key? As I understand it she said to a third party that the said tennis player reminded her of the character off the jam jars of her youth. That would mean she wasn't calling anyone a golliwog but saying what he reminded her of, to a third party. Many people of a certain age would think the same but not out of any racial bias.
I have frequently heard folk being called muppets. Is that offensive - after all it is only another puppet? Is it said because a person looks like a muppet? Possibly, but more likely because it is meant that someone is as stupid as a foam doll. Is that not discriminatory and offensive? Yes, if it directed to a person, but not if said to a third party. To say that someone reminds them of a muppet to a third party, however, cannot be offensive.
Whoever made Ms. Thatcher's comments public knowledge may have created a feeling of offence to the subject and therefore it is they who should stand rebuked because they would be the party put the item into the public domain. And can anyone take vicarous offence on behalf of others, anyway? Only if one personally knows they would be offended I contend. Third parties have no right to assume this.
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If you would like to support Carol Thatcher please sign our growing petition
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/1thatc8/petition.html
Many thanks
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Formal complaints about the conduct of the One Show bullies and the lamentable controller of BBC1 can be lodged at ...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/
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Dear Ms Hunt,
I totally agree with you that the use of the word golliwog is inappropriate because the name has become racially distorted and should not have been used, however there is a wider and more important issue that must be addressed. If that off the cuff and ill-considered comment remained in the Green Room the only damage would have been to the reputation of Carol Thatcher with the other people in the room. Now that the issue has been publicised there is a far wide offence. I would draw your attention to the damage done to the BBC worldwide and in particular the offence that is now being caused to that tennis player because someone thought it would be a good idea to trash Carol Thatcher to the press. It follows therefore that the person who has done the greater harm is the person who in the cold light of day thought it would be a good idea to leak the information into the public domain. Action must be taken to establish who did the leaking and if they were employees or contractors to the Corporation there employment should be terminated forthwith for bringing the Corporation into disrepute.
Turning to the Green Room and your case that it is on BBC property. Most employers do not allow alcohol on their premises and it is an offence to drink or be drunk in company time. If alcohol is served or available in the Green Room I would suggest that the status of the room becomes blurred. If it is the case that the BBC does not allow alcohol as part of the conditions of employment they cannot then state like you did that it can be a "workplace environment".
Turning to your use of the word fulsome. What Carol Thatcher actually gave was a fulsome apology, I refer to the Concise Oxford dictionary definition; cloying, excessive, disgusting by excess of flattery servility exaggerated affection
An online dictionary describes it as:
Fulsome is often used to mean "offensively flattering or insincere." But the word is also used, particularly in the expression fulsome praise, to mean simply "abundant," without any implication of excess or insincerity. This usage is etymologically justified but may invite misunderstandings in contexts in which a deprecatory interpretation could be made. The sentence I offer you my most fulsome apologies may raise an eyebrow, where the use of an adjective like full or abundant would leave no room for doubt as to the sincerity of the speaker's intentions.
What should have happened is that the people talking to Carol Thatcher should have told her that they didn't like or think it appropriate that the tennis player should have been likened to a golliwog (toy doll) and you should have had a quiet word with her. Whether you gave her a new contract would have been entirely on the basis of whether you thought that she added value to the show (probably not).
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