BBC Pull 'QI' Programme With Jeremy Clarkson, Following Comments On Rioters And Suicides

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The BBC has pulled tonight's episode of QI featuring Jeremy Clarkson from the schedule following the furore over his comments about suicide and striking public sector workers.

The episode of the BBC2 quiz, hosted by Stephen Fry, was recorded earlier this year and also features Ross Noble, Dara O'Briain and regular panellist Alan Davies.

It will be replaced by another new episode and will be broadcast at a later date.

An industry source told the Guardian: "It's not to do with anything specific that Clarkson said on QI.

"It is more a case of the BBC not wanting to look as though it didn't care about the storm and putting Clarkson back on screen as if nothing had happened."

The Top Gear presenter faced a storm of protest from mental health charities after he branded people who throw themselves under trains as "selfish".

Clarkson, 51, had earlier apologised after telling BBC1's The One Show that all striking workers should be shot.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "It is not unusual for the running order of programmes to change. The billed episode of QI will be shown at a later date."