The BBC has mysteriously pulled the Christmas special of one of its much-loved comedy programmes from scheduling amid speculation its political gags may need to be ‘updated’.
The Christmas episode of BBC Two show Mandy had been due to be broadcast on Monday, December 22 at 10.25pm – but has now been postponed without explanation.
The sitcom, starring Diane Morgan – also known for portraying Philomena Cunk and appearing in shows such as Cunk on Britain – was due to air for a 20-minute festive-themed episode.
Despite being featured as one of the BBC’s Christmas highlights, it’s now been pulled from screens and is expected to be shown in 2026 instead, the British Comedy Guide has reported.
It comes amid speculation around messaging that the BBC needs to ‘update’ political jokes in its content.
And on Monday, it emerged that Donald Trump is suing the BBC in a row over its edit of a speech he made during the US Capitol riots in 2021.
However, a BBC source vehemently denied the show was pulled due to the US President’s $10billion lawsuit against the broadcaster.
The Christmas episode of BBC Two show Mandy had been due to be broadcast on Monday, December 22 at 10.25pm – but has now been postponed without explanation
It is understood that Donald Trump is not referred to at any point in the episode.
‘It’s nothing to do with Trump’, the source told the Daily Mail.
The episode, which is understood to have been filmed in January, is titled The Mandy Who Knew Too Much.
Its synopsis reads: ‘Mandy rarely dabbles in global diplomacy, especially over Christmas when it’s so cold out and there’s good telly on, but when she does, you can bet that she makes a real difference to the balance of power in the world.’
The show was due to star Michelle Greenidge as Lola, Roger Sloman as Brian Cheeseman and Hugh Quarshie as General Moore, alongside Morgan.
A broadcast of the movie Beetlejuice has been brought forward to replace the postponed show.
According to the British Comedy Guide’s report, the BBC is considering updating parts of the Mandy Christmas special before it is shown.
However, it remains unclear what scene or scenes may undergo edits.
The sitcom, starring Diane Morgan – also known for portraying Philomena Cunk and appearing in shows such as Cunk on Britain – was due to air for a 20-minute festive-themed episode
A spokesperson for the BBC said: ‘The Mandy Christmas Special has been moved to 2026.’
It comes as the BBC this week vowed to defend itself against Trump’s lawsuit, despite warnings the legal fight will cost the corporation as much as £75million.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Florida on Monday evening, includes one count of defamation and one count of violating Florida trade practices law, after the BBC apologised for doctoring a clip of the US President in a Panorama episode.
Mr Trump’s legal team is demanding $5billion in damages for each count.
A BBC spokesman said on Tuesday: ‘We will be defending this case. We are not going to make further comment on ongoing legal proceedings.’
The corporation has acknowledged the editing was an ‘error of judgment’, apologised to Mr Trump, and director-general Tim Davie and head of News Deborah Turness resigned over the controversy.
To overcome the US Constitution’s legal protections for free speech and the Press, Mr Trump will need to prove not only that the edit was false and defamatory but also that the BBC knowingly misled viewers or acted recklessly.
A friend and ally of the US President warned that the BBC would risk spending £75million on legal fees and urged the broadcaster to ‘figure out a quick and easy settlement’ for around $10million (£7.5million).
