‘Pitch Battle’ bosses have changed the opening episode of the new singing show following the tragic fire that swept through a tower block in London earlier this week.
The choir programme was expected to make its debut this weekend on the BBC, but producers have decided to make some last-minute changes to the original running order as the planned episode featured lyrics and themes that are not deemed appropriate to broadcast so soon after the tragedy, which saw people lose their lives.
A spokesperson from the broadcaster said: "Following the tragic fire in London today, due to song lyrics and themes, the decision has been taken to replace the original opening episode of ‘Pitch Battle’ with another episode."
A fire engulfed Grenfell Tower – a west London 27-storey apartment building – on June 14 after a fridge exploded on the second floor in the early hours of the morning.
Firefighters battled the blaze but it’s believed no one on the top three floors survived the inferno and, so far, 12 people have been confirmed dead and over 50 injured.
Meanwhile, although they’ve made last-minute changes to the running order of ‘Pitch Battle’, Gareth Malone – who is a judge on the show – has promised the series will be a lot of fun as they’ve already got one 70-year-old woman on the show doing a mic drop.
Although he’s excited about the series hitting screens, he’s well aware that he may receive some negative feedback but he doesn’t mind because it’s an "upbeat" show.
He explained recently: "There’s always someone telling me that competitiveness is anti-singing. Nonsense. Performing is scary and exciting. You produce your best work on stage. Yes, this is a competition, but we’re also making something to entertain. It’s a jolly, upbeat show in what is really quite a bleak time."
‘Pitch Battle’ will air on BBC on Saturday, June 17 at 7.30pm.
Pitch Battle faces changes after London fire
