BBC viewers furious after Len Goodman recalls nan labelling curry ‘foreign muck’
Len Goodman #LenGoodman
Len Goodman has left BBC viewers calling upon the broadcaster to apologise after he described to host Kirsty Young what his grandmother thought of curry powder.
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len appeared ahead of Sunday’s Jubilee Pageant alongside MasterChef’s John Torode to chat about the celebrations with host Kirsty.
The pair were both given samples of the official Jubilee pudding to tuck try out, a lemon Swiss roll and amaretti trifle created by Jemma Melvin.
However after they both gave their stamp of approval, former Desert Island Discs host Kirsty probed Len on his own cooking habits.
‘Everyone is serving up different dishes at their street parties, are you a cook, Len?’ she asked.
He quickly responded: ’No, I’m hopeless, honestly. My wife did Coronation chicken yesterday for our tea and I’ve never had it before.
‘I’ve never had curry and curry powder, you know, my nan used to call it all “foreign muck”’ he explained, prompting a laugh from fellow guest John.
‘I was always worried about it,’ he continued. ‘But I must say, it was ridiculous. It was really tasty.’
But viewers were outraged by the comments after he quoted his late relative live on TV.
One shared on Twitter: ‘Petition to get the BBC and Len Goodman to apologise for his choice of words calling Coronation Chicken “foreign muck” in the words of his nan, apparently. Appalling and NO excuses because of his age. We forgive older generations for things like this too much. #PlatinumJubilee.’
‘Len Goodman just called coronation chicken “foreign muck” on BBC One so this time-filling before the Platinum Pageant is going well,’ another remarked.
Someone else shared: ‘Not Len Goodman lovingly quoting how his nan referred to curry as ‘foreign muck’ and that’s why he’s nervous of it now. This on the BBC Jubilee coverage.’
‘Len Goodman on BBC1 talking about how his gran called curry powder ‘foreign muck’ with a laugh. It’s casual, just normal, to talk this way. Not a shred of self-awareness,’ a viewer added.
Another Twitter user commented: ‘Len Goodman’s nan calling food from overseas “all foreign muck” is precisely what was wrong with the old generation. I’ve heard people say that before about their parents. Just unwilling and unable to embrace anything which isn’t British. Thank god our generation embraced it.’
The pageant will last for more than two hours, travelling through Central London and coming to an end at 5pm today.
According to the official website: ‘The Pageant will start on Whitehall, turn under Admiralty Arch and then process up The Mall before finishing outside Buckingham Palace around Queen Victoria Memorial.’
Elsewhere, the event will finish with Ed Sheeran giving a no-doubt special performance of his song Perfect.
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Dust off your Union Jack bunting, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee is well and truly upon us.
Taking place from Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5, the celebrations mark Her Majesty’s record-breaking 70th year on the throne.
Across the UK, there will be street parties, concerts, and other special events attended by the Queen and senior members of the Royal Family.
Visit Metro.co.uk’s Platinum Jubilee page for all the latest updates.
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