The BBC has admitted it broke impartiality rules when broadcasting an interview at the Baftas with Russell T Davies.

A BBC news report from the awards ceremony on May 8 contained an extract from an interview with the ‘It’s A Sin’ screenwriter Davies in which he criticised the Government’s plans to sell off Channel 4 and replace the BBC licence fee.

Speaking about ‘It’s A Sin’ receiving seven Bafta TV nominations, Davies told the BBC: “Completely surprised and completely thrilled and it’s so nice to see that cast being recognised tonight.

“And of course it was made on a channel that the Government’s going to sell off, while they’re also planning to get rid of the BBC licence fee – so, if you like shows like this, go and vote differently, that’s what I say.”

This report prompted a viewer to complain about Davies’ comments, saying they had not been “put into proper context” and so were in breach of impartiality rules.

The Bolton News: (PA)(PA)

On Wednesday, the BBC said the remarks had been broadcast “in error”.

A statement said: “The reporter and producer were on location at the awards ceremony rather than at New Broadcasting House where the material was edited together.

“The reporter’s commentary was designed to introduce a remark about Doctor Who, but a different clip was selected by mistake.

“The strong political view it included was not balanced by any reflection of Government policy during the news channel’s coverage of the Baftas that evening, and was therefore in breach of the BBC’s requirement to show impartiality on politically controversial matters.”

A review concluded that the finding was reported to the board of BBC News and discussed with the programme team concerned.

The BBC has previously said Davies, who was responsible for Doctor Who’s revival in 2005, will be back to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary in 2023 and future series.