'Doctor Who' Beheading Scene Dropped By BBC Following Murder Of US Journalist Steven Sotloff

BBC Edits Out 'Doctor Who' Beheading Scene

The BBC has edited this Saturday's episode of 'Doctor Who' to remove a scene where a character is beheaded, after the murder of two journalists by Islamic State militants.

A video released this week showed the beheading of American reporter Steven Sotloff by the same masked jihadi, believed to be British, who murdered James Foley last month.

This week's episode of 'Doctor Who' includes Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham

The removed scene comes at the climax of this week's show which includes a fight scene between Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "In light of recent news events, we have made an edit to episode three out of respect."

This is not the first time the corporation have made changes to programmes in light of current events.

In 2012, it pulled an episode of crime drama 'New Tricks' about an under-age sex ring in a care home in the light of allegations about DJ Jimmy Savile.

The same year it postponed the final episode of 'Good Cop' after the deaths of policewomen Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes.

The drama, starring former Hollyoaks and 'Luther' actor Warren Brown, featured a violent attack on a female police officer.

'Doctor Who's latest incarnation Peter Capaldi made his debut 10 days ago. Viewing figures were high for the first episode, but dropped the following weekend with the arrival of 'X Factor' on ITV.

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