Alagiah likened to a chimp on BBC News

Only recently the BBC had to contend with Carol Thatcher likening a black French tennis player to a golliwog, a remark that led to her losing her job on The One Show. However, no such draconian measures have been taken against BBC News 24 presenter Chris Eakin, who suggested a likeness between newscaster George Alagiah, who was born in Sri Lanka, to a chimpanzee during a live broadcast on Monday night.

Eakin was commenting on a story about a mischievous chimp at the Furuvik Zoo in Sweden who had collected stones and thrown them at visitors. He asked viewers: "Can you see any likeness?", and then handing back to Alagiah, who presents BBC 1's News at Six, who initially looked a little surprised before attempting to laugh off the comment.

Sensing trouble, Alagiah, 53, swiftly changed the topic and continued with the rest of the programme. However, in the wake of the Carol Thatcher affair, the corporation has been quick to issue an apology.

In a statement released by the broadcaster, Eakin said: "This was a light-hearted comment with absolutely no other intended overtones. George and I are old friends and I'd be horrified if anyone has interpreted this in any other way. I regret if I have unintentionally caused any offence."

Alagiah, while accepting Eakin's apology, does not make light of the faux pas. He said: "I think it was unfortunate and inappropriate and I can see why it may have troubled some people watching the programme." ·