BBC remove controversial moment in scene that would never air today from old Tracy Beaker episode
There are some childhood TV shows that stick with you forever, or even maybe a scene that was innocent enough when you’re a kid but inappropriate when you re-watch as an adult.
And that could definitely be said for a scene that was cut from the British kids television show, Tracy Beaker.
The show, which depicts the Dumping Ground - aka a home for children who are in the care system - showcases Tracy as the main character.
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This lovable brat - who originated in Jacqueline Wilson's iconic book of the same title - is known for her many catch phrases, such as ‘bog off’ and pretty much being a menace to everyone in the home.
Her hatred for Justine and Elaine (the pain) made for the best bits - but in a scene that has since been totally removed from the show, she was absent.
Instead of focusing on the antics of Tracy, it was instead all about a shopkeeper and four boys from the children’s home.
The episode - titled Frankelainestein/Tracy’s Fantasy in season 5 - depicts Mother’s Day at the home.
During episode 4, it follows Marco around who finds out that a local shop was giving out a free potted plant to every mother that came in and also a free inflatable alien to their child.
Remember those aliens? No wonder he was obsessed with getting it.
At that moment, another kid named Bouncer offered to pretend to be his Mum due to his large frame, and so he donned a dress, makeup and bonnet to look the part.
However, when he was introduced to the shopkeeper as his mum, the shopkeeper removed his glasses to show Bouncer as a blurry figure, which he then fell in love with.
The shopkeeper then goes on to pester Bouncer, following him around the shop while he asked for his number, suggested the go out to eat and all sorts while the boy narrowly dodges being cornered by him.
However, it takes a turn when Bouncer is about to leave with the kids, completely forgetting about the plant or alien and turns his back to the keeper.
That’s when the man pinches his bottom, causing Bouncer to lose his feminine voice and revert back to that of a boy, shouting at him for touching his bum.
The scene may have gone over the heads of children at the time in 2005, but after it circulated online, people have some strong opinions.
Apparently, the clip also caught the attention of the BBC, who swiftly deleted the bum-pinching moment from the episode on BBC iPlayer, leaving the shopkeeper only to find out Bouncer is a boy almost as soon as he thought he was a woman.
People online were quick to talk about it, taking to Instagram to hash out their thoughts.
One person wrote: “Yeah I think the BBC having a grown man grope a teenage boy in drag for a children’s show was maybe didn’t sit well.”
And someone else wrote: “I remember this!! You’ve just unlocked a memory I did not need.”
Well, now you’ll never be able to see it on telly again.
LADbible has contacted the BBC for comment.
Britt Jones