'After You've Gone' rapped by Ofcom

The broadcasting watchdog has critised After You've Gone for showing an overdose scene in the early evening.

Ofcom was investigating a July episode of the BBC One sitcom which saw Jimmy (Nicholas Lyndhurst) swallow two handfuls of painkillers as he lay on the sofa suffering from a hernia.

The character was in need of something sweet and, unable to move to the kitchen, deduced that the pills would be "bound to have some sugar in them".

A subsequent scene showed Jimmy appearing relaxed and disorientated, with no other side-effects displayed.

Ofcom investigated following a complaint that the BBC had been irresponsible by not depicting any adverse consequences to the overdose.

The corporation admitted that the episode was "not appropriate" for younger viewers and that the 7.30pm timeslot was unsuitable.

Ofcom said it welcomed the BBC's admission and reassurances that the episode would not be broadcast before 8.30pm in the future.