The BBC has confirmed that it investigated an episode of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em after a viewer lodged a complaint alleging homophobia.

The classic sitcom, which starred Michael Crawford as the hapless Frank Spencer, ran for three series and a handful of specials between 1973 and 1978.

The episode 'Learning To Drive' - first broadcast on Christmas Day 1975 - was repeated on BBC Two in December and in one scene Frank is seen dressed as a pixie for his job at a department store.

"I'm the chief of the pixies, I'm the friend of all the little boys and girls," he announces to a group of children, to which one replies: "Oh no you're not, you're a poof."

The BBC investigated after a viewer complained that the comment was not edited out, but the corporation ultimately stood by its decision to leave the episode intact, arguing that a warning about outdated language was shown beforehand.

A spokesman told The Times: "Attitudes and language change over time and our approach is to tell viewers when a show includes something that maybe offensive, inappropriate or outdated."

The move comes after the BBC removed Little Britain from iPlayer and BritBox in 2020 following renewed outrage over the comedy's use of blackface.