An episode of Christmas University Challenge has been pulled after two contestants complained a few lack of provision for his or her disabilities.

One of the contestants, who’s blind, known as the expertise “distressing”.

Audio description, which they mentioned had been promised, was not offered, whereas a request for subtitles for an additional contestant, who’s neurodivergent, is known to have been turned down.

The BBC mentioned it had apologised to the people involved.

The present’s manufacturing firm Lifted Entertainment, which is a part of ITV Studios, additionally supplied its “sincere apologies”.

Christmas University Challenge, a festive spin-off from the BBC Two quiz present, options groups of distinguished alumni who compete on behalf of their former universities.

BBC News understands that the 2 contestants flagged disabilities to the producers earlier than the recording.

It is known that the manufacturing crew mentioned subtitles weren’t attainable however that audio description could be offered. However, within the occasion, audio description didn’t occur.

One of the affected contestants mentioned: “One minute before the show, we were told there was no audio description and that your captain will instead have to explain everything.”

The contestant mentioned the visible photos, which wanted describing, included a pie chart and maps. “It was distressing,” they added.

The different contestant, who’s neurodivergent and has challenges with audio processing, mentioned they’d requested subtitles prematurely so they would not be at a drawback when making an attempt to reply questions at pace.

“Unfortunately, I was told this wasn’t possible,” they mentioned.

They nonetheless agreed to take part, however mentioned the expertise was “overwhelming and overstimulating”, and that it impacted their skill to perform for every week afterwards.

After the present was recorded, the 2 contestants – who’ve requested to not be named – complained to the BBC and requested for the episode to not be broadcast.

“I was in touch to say I’d prefer not to have the manifestation of my disability broadcast on network TV in the run-up to Christmas,” the primary contestant mentioned.

On Friday, the choice was made to drag the episode.

Both contestants mentioned the choice to not air it was enormously appreciated, and that they’d supplied to assist make the programme extra inclusive.

A BBC spokesperson mentioned: “We can confirm that an episode in the upcoming series of Alumni University Challenge will not be broadcast because two of the contestants felt their access requirements were not sufficiently met by the production.

“We are working carefully with producers to enhance cross trade entry on our programmes to make sure a constant strategy is carried out.

“We would like to apologise to the individuals and teams concerned, and they have been written to personally by the producers.”

Lifted Entertainment mentioned: “During the pre-filming briefing for this episode, two contestants requested that certain adjustments be made in order for them to be able to fully participate.

“However, following the recording, we had been made conscious that the changes made fell wanting their necessities. We have spoken to the people concerned and supplied our honest apologies.

“Having listened very carefully to their descriptions of their experiences, we agreed with the BBC that the fairest course of action was not to screen this particular edition.”

Fourteen groups are competing in seven first-round matches of Christmas University Challenge. The 4 prime groups undergo to the semi-finals, earlier than the final two battle it out to be named Christmas sequence champions.

The contestants compete in the identical format because the mum or dad present, with groups pitted in opposition to one another as they tackle a sequence of questions.

In the episode in query, which was filmed in November, two Oxford and Cambridge schools had been pitted in opposition to one another.

BBC News understands the remainder of the festive sequence isn’t affected by the choice to drag the episode. The present is offered by the BBC’s Amol Rajan.