ITV's Benidorm cleared following cleft lip joke

From Digital Spy

ITV's hit sitcom Benidorm has been cleared by Ofcom following a number of complaints over a cleft lip joke in an episode that aired earlier this month.

The joke, which was criticised by the charity The Cleft Lip and Palate Association, was investigated on the grounds of "disability discrimination/offence" by the broadcasting watchdog.

Ofcom has since decided that it will not be pursuing the complaints any further, as they "did not raise issues warranting investigation". A total of 131 complaints were received.

The controversial joke in question was made in the final episode of the show's ninth series, which aired on May 3, when Sherrie Hewson's character referenced a performer with a cleft lip.

Related: Benidorm's creator says Tim Healy "died" and had to be resuscitated during health crisis

In the scene, Joyce Temple-Savage referred to karaoke performer Danny Tetley – who was playing himself – as having "a voice like a 13-year-old girl and a face like a dropped pie".

Shortly after the episode aired, Carol Vorderman spoke out against the joke on Twitter as a patron of The Cleft Lip and Palate Association.

"I am patron of CLAPA," she wrote. "My brother Anton was born with a severe cleft lip and palate. I have witnessed abuse of those with cleft... Therefore, I wholeheartedly endorse this open letter."

Despite its moment of controversy, Benidorm continues to prove hugely popular with fans and the show was commissioned for its 10th series just a day after its ninth run began.

Although there's no word yet on when to expect Benidorm's return, production on the next series is already under way – and it looks like the Chuckle Brothers are involved...

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