The episode is about the loss of natural habitats in the British Isles (Picture: PA)
The BBC has reportedly decided not to broadcast an episode of Sir David Attenborough’s new series Wild Isles over concerns it could anger rightwingers.
The 97-year-old, who has traveled worldwide to educate about a fascinating array of habitats and animals, is exploring challenges within the British Isles for the first time.
While five episodes have been filmed over the course of three years, using the latest technology to capture species such as sea eagles and killer whales, producers were planning to air an additional installment.
The sixth episode is thought to focus on the destruction of natural habitats across the country and the reasons for the environmental decline, as well as the concept of rewilding.
Rewilding, which is controversial among some right-wing supporters, sees land restored to its uncultivated state, allowing nature to become more ‘self-willed.’
Due to the themes of the sixth episode, the broadcaster has decided not to air it on linear channels, although it will be available on iPlayer, according to The Guardian.
Sir David Attenborough with Alastair Fothergill filming for Wild Isles in Dorset (Picture: BBC/Silverback Films/Alex Board)
The publication reports that the Beeb feared the instalment could provoke a backlash from the Tory government and rightwing supporters.
However, the decision is thought to have angered the programme makers, who fear BBC has reacted to pressure from groups with ‘dinosaurian ways’, a source told the outlet.
The remaining five episodes will be broadcast as planned on BBC One in primetime slots.
It is the first time Sir David has filmed a wildlife series in the British Isles (Picture: Alex Board)
Sir David previously spoke to Chris Packham for Winterwatch and was asked if he had always wanted to make a series about British wildlife.
The national treasure said: ‘Well, yes, and it’s just internal BBC politics.
‘I joined [the BBC] in 1952, and television was restricted to London only. Bristol had a Natural History Unit on the radio but it didn’t have television.
The veteran presenter continued: ‘So we had a great meeting and they said: “Look here, you’re doing natural history and I think we should come to some agreement on this, because when television comes here we want to do natural history television. Tell you what, we’ll do British natural history, and you can do all this stuff in Africa.”
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‘And I said, “That suits me down to the ground” so this is a great ambition fulfilled.
Metro.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment.
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