John Cleese has come under fire after publicly questioning why the BBC has not aired Monty Python “for a couple of decades”.
The 83-year-old English actor, comedian, and screenwriter, turned somewhat controversial political commentator, is well-known for his roles as Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, as a performer on The Frost Report, and for appearing in several Harry Potter, James Bond, and Shrek films.
But to the majority of people, he is most famous for being one of the founding members of the six-piece Monty Python comedy troupe.
Alongside fellow members Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Graham Chapman, Cleese starred in the troupe’s popular TV sketch series Monty Python and the Flying Circus, as well as five films and a number of touring stage shows.
Flying Circus originated on the BBC, but according to Cleese – who is set to present a show on right-wing news channel GB News in 2023 as he wants to “promote proper argument” – the show hasn’t appeared on the network it quite a considerable amount of time – “a couple of decades”, he seems to think – and it appears as if he was a bit in the dark as to why this is the case.
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So he took to Twitter for some answers and to call the broadcaster out.
Can anyone ( including BBC employees ) tell me why the BBC has not shown Monty Python for a couple of decades ?
Cleese asked his 5.6 million Twitter followers: “Can anyone (including BBC employees) tell me why the BBC has not shown Monty Python for a couple of decades?”
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While it may seem like a simple question for the comedian to ask at first, many people picked up on what was likely Cleese’s intended critiquing, derogatory, and politically-inclined tone, and were quick to explain to him the reason the BBC has not aired any repeats of the sketch show.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus may have originally aired on the BBC between 1969 and 1974, but the rights to it were later sold to streaming platform Netflix in 2019, along with the rest of the comedy troupe’s movies, collections, and specials.
With Netflix owning exclusivity, this therefore prevents the show from being broadcast on any other channels – including the BBC.
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Some people couldn’t believe Cleese apparently wasn’t aware of this.
Coz the BBC sold the license for the show to Netflix. I don't work for the BBC but it's pretty easy to find out, John.
Others took to mocking Cleese for questioning this when there is a good chance he already knows the answer and just intended to stir the pot.
“You know why though John, they don’t own the broadcasting rights do they,” one person wrote, “Can you tell us why you’re asking a question in very bad faith? Is it because you want attention again? Do us all a favour and be quiet mate.”
Some used this as an opportunity to call Cleese – who has aligned himself as a vocal critic of “woke culture” – out on his intent to voice his political views and his upcoming GB News show.
You decided to give the exclusive rights to Netflix, you faded light bulb. Please try performing something actually funny since the 1980s and you might get a better deal. Fierce Creatures wasn't it. https://t.co/wygqMBT0Rf
— Pete Prodge hates the anti-Semite Elon Musk (@peteprodge) December 27, 2022
Academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving Manchester City on a permanent transfer
Danny Jones
Manchester City youth academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving the club after sealing a move to Fulham FC.
Despite plenty of loan interest throughout the January transfer window, the Man City attacker has secured a switch to the in-form West London team on a permanent basis.
Bobb looked increasingly likely to leave in some capacity following the arrival of another winger in the form of instant hit, Antoine Semenyo, but it now looks as though his departure is all but confirmed, bar an imminent official announcement.
As reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the agreement has now been reached between the two clubs pending a full medical today (Thursday, 29 January).
According to Romano, Fulham will pay Man City approximately £27 million for Bobb’s services, who becomes the latest addition in what has already been a fairly busy period of recruitment.
He goes on to add that “City also mantain [a] 20% sell-on clause, matching rights and future control on the player based on his decision.”
There is no suggestion of a buy-back clause at this time, but given his age and having already made a fair few appearances for Pep Guardiola‘s first team, it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility to see him return to the club one day.
Bobb also arrives at Craven Cottage following the exit of multiple wingers and offensive options, including Adama Traore, ex-Man United product Andreas Pereira and Arsenal youngster, Reiss Nelson, whose loan deal has expired and has signed another temporary deal at local rivals, Brentford.
Had it not been for that injury I know he would’ve been class for City for a long time, and let’s not forget that goal v Newcastle pic.twitter.com/inGxi5UjPM
The young Norwegian winger joined the Etihad Campus back in 2023 and went on to contribute a handful of goals and assists, despite limited appearances and some very unfortunate injury issues.
Only seven months ago, his soon-to-be former parent club released a short video charting his return from the sidelines after fracturing his leg – a setback which kept him out for roughly five months.
Plenty of fans have quickly placed him in the so-called ‘what if?’ category of players, and given that he’s still just 22 years old and has already impressed on a number of ocassions for such a big club, we wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on to have a very exciting career.
Can you see the Blues bringing in or letting anyone else go before deadline day?
McDonald’s is set to axe 80% of its vegan and vegetarian options in the UK
Emily Sergeant
McDonald’s is set to remove nearly all of its vegan and vegetarian options from the UK menu, according to reports.
We may be in what is known to some as Veganuary, but one of the world’s leading fast food chains has reportedly made the decision to drastically cut back on the selection of plant-based and meat-free options on its UK menu, appearing to align with the trends that show a decline in veganism overall.
McDonald’s is known for offering those who choose not to eat meat a choice of different options – from its Veggie Dippers to the popular McPlant burger.
But from the start of next month, only one options is apparently set to remain on the menu.
In a decision that seems to already be making fans on social media ‘furious’, McDonald’s has revealed that it will stop selling Veggie Dippers, Veggie Dipper Happy Meals, Spicy Veggie Wraps, and Vegetable Deluxe sandwiches.
McDonald’s is set to axe 80% of its vegan and vegetarian options in the UK / Credit: McDonald’s UK
All that remains will be the vegan McPlant Burger – which McDonald’s says still remains popular with steady sales.
According to reports in various outlets like the Daily Mail and Sky News, McDonald’s says it had reviewed feedback and sales data in order to make the decision.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s UK told the Daily Mail: “We’re always listening to our customers to help inform and evolve our menu. After reviewing feedback, alongside the sales data of our Veggie Dippers, it’s clear this product does not match the appeal of McPlant for our vegetarian customers.
“That’s why we’ve made the decision to remove them from the menu, as we focus on developing better vegetarian options that meet our high standards.
The fast food chain has released a statement as to why it is reducing options / Credit: Road Ahead (via Unsplash)
“While McPlant remains a firm fan favourite and will continue to be the go-to choice for our vegetarian and vegan customers, we recognise these changes may be disappointing for some.”
If this statement is anything to go by though, it does appear that the McPlant won’t stay the only vegan option on the menu forever, as the fast food chain has indicated that it is looking at introduction others in the future.
“We are actively learning from other markets to understand which vegetarian and vegan options are proving most popular and exploring exciting new offerings that we know customers will love,” the spokesperson’s statement concluded.
The Veggie Dippers, Veggie Dipper Happy Meals, Spicy Veggie Wraps, and Vegetable Deluxe sandwiches will be removed from the McDonald’s menu in the UK on 3 February.
Emily Sergeant -
28th December 2022 
