Contestants criticise BBC after Pride pins edited out from University Challenge
University of Leicester students on University Challenge (University of Leicester)
Two University Challenge contestants from the University of Leicester have said the BBC digitally edited out their LGBTQ+ Pride pins from an episode, with one calling the decision “very Orwellian”.
Astrophysics student Samuel Carlier and history student Emmeline Hague-Wright said the pins were removed from their appearance earlier in 2026. The episode was initially scheduled for BBC Two on 24 August 2026, delayed twice, and eventually aired on 7 September 2026.
The pins showed the progressive LGBTQ+ Pride flag, the bisexual Pride flag and a rainbow feather.
Carlier said: “Living in a liberal democracy and having the state broadcaster tell you ‘we’re editing how you look’, seems very Orwellian.”
He also described the decision as “weird” and “absurd”, and questioned how “impartiality” is being applied. Carlier said he contacted the BBC to ask why the pins had been removed, was directed to the BBC complaints website, and filed a complaint. He said he had not received a response explaining the edit.
Why did the BBC remove the Pride pins?
A BBC spokesperson said the broadcaster advises against visible symbols during filming, citing its editorial rules.
“In line with our editorial guidelines, we advise that no badges, flags, and emblems or symbols are worn or visible during filming, along with clothing with obvious branding or slogans. If such items are not removed for any reason then a decision is made between the programme makers and the BBC regarding any edits to the programme,” the spokesperson said.
The BBC also stated that the episode’s delays had nothing to do with the decision to edit out the pins.
An ITV Studios spokesperson said: “University Challenge is an entertainment quiz show and is made in accordance with the BBC Editorial Guidelines requirements for impartiality.”
Contestant expected a support call over online transphobia
Hague-Wright said she was contacted by the BBC and expected a welfare or support call, because she understood there had been online transphobia in response to a previous University Challenge episode. Instead, she said she was told her feather pin would be removed and that the episodes would be delayed.
“At first it was mostly confusion,” she said. Hague-Wright also linked the repeated scheduling changes to the edit, adding: “This entire delay has been because of a feather and two badges on a teammate that were basically impossible [for viewers] to see.”
In 2023, the BBC faced criticism after it reissued guidance advising some news staff not to attend ‘overt’ Pride protests.
