Thatcher doc drops the F-word

A docu-drama being made for BBC Four about the young Margaret Thatcher has edited out a swear word for fear of offending the former Prime Minister.

The script for The Long Walk to Finchley had featured a scene in which the future prime minister says the words "F****** establishment!" in reference to the male dominated world of politics.

Controller of BBC Fiction Jane Tranter told The Daily Telegraph the words had been removed "because we do not want to cause any offence to Margaret Thatcher".

In the programme, written by Tony Saint, Andrea Riseborough from BBC Two's Party Animals, plays Thatcher with Rory Kinnear as husband Denis. It is being filmed later this month and will air next year.

Daughter of the former prime minister, Carol Thatcher, told Broadcast that the screenplay shows "a warped view of history," accusing the production of not having an understanding of her mother's character or the moral climate of the time it depicts. "The idea that my mother would go around swearing after a personal setback is ridiculous," she added.

But Tranter has defended the programme - being made by Great Meadow Productions - saying it shows Baroness Thatcher's early frustrations and "the root of some of those traits, as she battles her way through the system."