Terry Wogan laments BBC compliance rules

Sir Terry Wogan has criticised the BBC over its excessive compliance rules.

The veteran broadcaster said that the corporation's obsession with red tape often hampers programme makers and on-screen talent.

The BBC tightened its broadcasting regulations following Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand's notorious prank phone calls to Andrew Sachs, but Wogan compared the new procedures to the unnecessary health and safety rulings that dominate the public sector.

"Today, lunatics have taken over the asylum," Wogan told Radio Times. "Agents and publicists rule and the BBC even sends people to monitor interviews in the name of 'compliance'. It is so restrictive."

However, the 72-year-old admitted that he is not a fan of some of the current crop of risqué comedians.

"Frankie Boyle is too strong for me. Ricky Gervais walks the tightrope," he said, before adding: "But it ill becomes people of my age to criticise the new."