Nigel Farage furious over assassination of anti-immigration campaigner Neil Fromage character in Channel 4 comedy

‘This scene is totally sick and frankly irresponsible’

Nigel Farage has hit out at Channel 4 over an episode of a comedy show in which satirical character Neil Fromage is shot dead while giving a speech on immigration.

The leader of the Brexit Party described the scene in the fourth episode of Victorian-era sitcom Year of the Rabbit as “sick and frankly irresponsible”.

In the episode, Neil Fromage, a right-wing campaigner, is shot in the head while giving a speech on the dangers of immigration.

In response to the episode, Mr Farage told the Daily Star Sunday: “This scene is totally sick and frankly irresponsible.”

He added: “I think with Channel 4 we have reached a point where they are so partisan politically in everything they do that they now consistently go beyond what’s acceptable.”

The episode of the sitcom starring Matt Berry is due to air on Channel 4 on Monday. However it is currently available to watch on Sky’s on-demand service Now TV.

Channel 4 said it was clear to viewers that the actions of the show’s characters are “preposterous and not to be taken seriously”.

A spokesperson for the broadcaster told The Express: “Year of the Rabbit is a purposefully outrageous and heightened comedy set in Victorian-era London featuring exaggerated and ridiculous fictional characters.

Channel 4’s Victorian sitcom ‘Year of the Rabbit’ stars Matt Berry (Channel 4)

“In this context it is clear to viewers that the actions of these characters are preposterous and not to be taken seriously.”

Channel 4 was approached by The Independent for further comment but did not respond at the time of publication.

It comes just weeks after comedian Jo Brand was accused of inciting violence for joking about throwing battery acid at politicians instead of milkshakes.

But Scotland Yard has now said Ms Brand will face no further action.

Appearing on BBC Radio 4 programme Heresy, Ms Brand said: “Why bother with a milkshake when you could get some battery acid?”

In response to the joke, Mr Farage tweeted: “This is incitement of violence and the police need to act.”

The trend of throwing milkshakes at right-wing politicians began when Tommy Robinson had one thrown over him in Warrington, during his failed election campaign.

Mr Farage had a milkshake thrown at him while he was campaigning in Newcastle ahead of the European elections last month.