BBC hits back after string of complaints about Have I Got News For You

THE quiz show was put on blast by BBC One viewers who claimed the game didn’t include blind comedian Jamie MacDonald enough.

Have I Got News For You bosses have clapped back at the criticism through a statement.

The Scottish comedian was a guest on Friday’s instalment of the program.

But viewers immediately jumped on social media when they saw him take part in the game’s picture round.

During the segment hosted by Steph McGovern, the topic of discussion diverted towards the recent resignation of Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Panellists were asked to identify people or describe what was unfolding in a clip shown to them.

However, Steph McGovern acknowledged how difficult the challenge could be for Jamie MacDonald, who lost his sight as a teenager due to a degenerative eye condition.

BBC responded to the many complaints that were made about the game following the segment.

Their statement reads (via Metro.co.uk): “Whenever we invite a guest onto the show with access requirements, we always make sure they are fully briefed about what to expect in the show beforehand.”

“This was the case with Jamie MacDonald, he was fully briefed and consulted on all aspects of the show, including the visual rounds.”

“He wanted to use the situation for humour and we simply respected his wishes.”

Have I Got News For You viewers didn’t hold back when they realised the round wasn’t accessible to the comedian.

“Today’s show was embarrassing”, one of them penned on Instagram.

“Couldn’t they have altered the format to make it more inclusive? Jamie Macdonald was excluded from pretty much every round.”

Another even deemed the program “lazy and embarrassing” for leaving Jamie out.

“Surely the BBC could have paid more attention to how Jamie could be included – lazy and embarrassing.”

Yet Jamie had no complaints and responded to viewers in a Tweet reading: “Last night was an amazing career highlight.”

“I absolutely loved being on Have I Got News For You.”

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“I really appreciate how concerned everyone has been on my behalf but at no point did I feel excluded in any way.”

Have I Got News For You is back on BBC One on Friday from 9pm.