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The BBC became embroiled in a racial dispute after the Christmas carols on the King ‘broadcast failed to feature ethnic minorities
- BBC 2 broadcast Christmas carols from King’s College in Cambridge on Christmas Eve
- None of the 13 singers on the show belonged to ethnic minorities.
- The choristers were selected by their school, King’s College, Cambridge
Viewers have complained to the BBC after its Carols From King’s holiday service did not feature a single non-white showgirl.
None of the 13 singers on the show, which aired on BBC2 on Christmas Eve, appeared to be from an ethnic minority.
The choristers were selected by their school, King’s College, Cambridge University.
One viewer told The Mail on Sunday: ‘All the young showgirls were white. I have mixed-race grandchildren and was horrified.
Viewers complained to the BBC after none of the choristers involved in Christmas Eve’s ‘King’s Carols’ appeared to be of non-white heritage.
“I can’t believe King’s College School doesn’t have black students who can sing.”
A King’s spokesperson said the line-up changed after some of the singers were forced to isolate themselves due to the coronavirus.
“King’s College is a diverse community whose commitment to equal access and broader participation is reflected in all aspects of college life,” they said.
“Sadly, the diversity of the College was not expressed on the televised service because several participants were required to self-isolate just before filming began following positive tests for Covid-19.”
The BBC said that one of the adults shown on the service is of Japanese descent.
Carols From King’s has become a traditional and popular part of the BBC’s holiday coverage, beginning in 1954 as an offshoot of the longer service A Festival of Lessons and Carols.
None of the 13 singers on the show, which aired on BBC2 on Christmas Eve, appeared to be from an ethnic minority.
The Cambridge Independent reported that the two choral scholars who were supposed to participate in the carols, which were recorded in early December, were forced to drop out after testing positive for Covid-19.
As a result, six from The King’s Singers, an internationally renowned vocal group made up of Cambridge graduates, were summoned, filling their spots 48 hours in advance.
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Cherry, Dean of King’s College, said: “We are so grateful to The King’s Singers for stepping up at the last minute.
‘King’s College Choir has been preparing for our Christmas broadcasts for months following strict security protocols, so it was particularly disappointing that the choir scholars were unable to be with us for filming.’
2020 was also the first time the service was recorded without a congregation.
One viewer told The Mail on Sunday: ‘All the young showgirls were white. I have mixed-race grandchildren and was horrified. I can’t believe King’s College School doesn’t have black students who can sing ‘
