Channel 5 pulls Fireman Sam episode in which character appears to step on page from the Koran
Firm behind the controversial scene apologises 'unreservedly' to viewers after controversial clip sparks outrage
A FIREMAN Sam episode showing a character appearing to tread on a page from the Koran has been pulled by Channel 5.
The network has removed the show, said to feature the Muslim holy text, from its streaming site and said it had no plans to air it on TV again.
The character, called Elvis, slips on some paper on the floor of the fire station in the kids’ animation hit while carrying a tray of hot drinks. Several sheets fly into the air, one of which looks to be covered with Arabic script.
It first aired in October 2014 and was available to watch online at any time.
The episode, called Troubled Waters, was last shown on TV on June 28.
HIT Entertainment, which produced it, apologised “unreservedly” to viewers.
The firm, which produces Bob the Builder, Pingu and Thomas the Tank Engine, said it had cut ties with the animation studio it blamed for the mistake.
A spokeswoman said: “It has been brought to our attention that in an episode of Fireman Sam an image of the Koran is briefly depicted.
“The page was intended to show illegible text and we deeply regret this error. We sincerely apologise for any distress or offence it may have caused.”
She added: “We will no longer be working with the animation studio responsible for this mistake.
“In addition, we are taking immediate action to remove this episode from circulation and we are reviewing our content production procedures to ensure this never happens again.”
Miqdaad Versi, listed as the assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain on his Twitter profile, hit out at the error, tweeting: “Have no idea what went through the producers’ minds when they thought this was a good idea.”