All3 embroiled in Midsomer race row

Global producer-distributor All3Media has launched an internal investigation after the co-creator of its hit UK series Midsomer Murders sparked a race row.

Brian True-May has been taken off the show – one of its most popular overseas sellers – after suggesting it “wouldn’t work” if there were more ethnic minorities portrayed on screen. He also described the show as the “last bastion of Englishness”.

True-May was suspended today by All3Media after his comments emerged in the Radio Times, a UK television and radio listings guide.

A spokesman for All3, which handles worldwide distribution for Midsomer, said they would not comment while the investigation takes place.

Speaking to the Radio Times, published today, True-May said: “We just don’t have ethnic minorities involved. Because it wouldn’t be the English village with them.

“It just wouldn’t work… We’re the last bastion of Englishness and I want to keep it that way.”

A spokesman for ITV1, which broadcasts the series in the UK, said they were “shocked and appalled by the comments” and was now locked in talks with All3.

In January this year, All3’s distribution arm announced new broadcast deals for Midsomer in France and Iran.

French pubcaster France 3 bought season 14 (8×60′) and relicensed more than 50 hours of episodes. All3 also licensed 120 hours of the show, including seasons 1-12, to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB. The deal will see Midsomer broadcast in Farsi for the first time.

Last year All3 sold the show to Swedish pubcaster SVT.

Midsomer Murders is set to return to British screens next week.