Spitting Image ‘changed Ed Sheeran puppet’ at last minute over fears it was ‘gratuitously offensive’

Producers were concerned character would upset people with red hair

Spitting Image producers reportedly changed the show’s Ed Sheeran puppet at the last minute over fears it would offend red-haired viewers.

An ITV source told The Sun: “It was thought to be gratuitously offensive so we ordered them to rejig the puppet. The puppeteers didn't seem too happy about the changes.

“But it's a fine line when you're making comedy. It's one thing poking fun at the rich and powerful but it's another insulting some viewers. It cost quite a lot of money to change. But it's worth the expense.”

According to The Sun, the original puppet had carrot leaves sprouting from its head, which have now been replaced by the leaves of a turnip.

ITV declined to comment when contacted by The Independent.

Other new puppets on the show include Charles and Camilla, Michael Gove, Dominic Raab, Billie Eilish, Greta Thunberg, Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, Harry Styles, Brad Pitt, Elton John and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The creator of Spitting Image recently hit back at complaints that certain puppets are racist representations.  

Responding to criticism of how black people have been portrayed in the forthcoming series, Roger Law told Radio Times: “People sit around looking for things to complain about. I do big noses and big ears. It’s personal – it’s not a racist thing.”

Spitting Image was also forced to defend its decision to include a puppet of Greta Thunberg in its new series.

Spitting Image arrives on BritBox on 3 October 2020.