Chris Evans accused of One Show 'racism'

The BBC received 56 complaints from viewers accusing Chris Evans of racism after he told a black guest on The One Show he could not see her after the studio lights were dimmed.

The presenter had been discussing spectacular events in space observed from Earth - including last week's lunar eclipse - with Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock when he said he could hardly see her in the dimly lit studio.

Viewers took to Twitter to question whether they had correctly heard the BBC breakfast radio DJ make the quip on live television.

The scientist was asked if more opportunities for 'space spectating' were coming up.

She replied: "There's plenty out there to see, unfortunately not tonight."

Evans then retorted: "It's terrible tonight, I can barely see you, to be honest."

One tweeter said: "Chris Evans you racist, you called a Nigerian woman Caribbean, then said 'we could hardly see you tonight' - proper foot in mouth."

Maggie Aderin-Pocock, could not be reached for comment today. The BBC said it was just a "quip" and "absolutely not a racist remark".