Question Time returns to Dundee on Thursday, four years after its last visit to the city prompted claims of a BBC Brexit bias.
This week’s panel includes SNP MP Joanna Cherry, Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat and Labour MP Ian Murray, who is running to be the party’s deputy leader.
They will be joined by crime writer and Raith Rovers supporter Val McDermid and columnist Alex Massie.
David Dimbleby was host when the debate show was filmed at the Caird Hall on March 10 2016.
If featured a panel of some of the biggest names in Scottish politics: then Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, SNP depute leader John Swinney, Scottish Labour’s Jenny Marra, Patrick Harvie from the Scottish Greens, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie as well as journalist Tim Stanley.
The debate was dominated by the upcoming referendum on leaving the EU.
But it was the show’s audience that attracted the most criticism, with viewers complaining of a “pro-Brexit bias” at odds with Dundee’s support for Scottish independence and remaining in the EU.
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart led the charge, posting on social media:
Hi #bbcqt are you sure you're in Dundee? You've managed to find an incredible number of Tories and Brexiteers for your audience.
— Pete Wishart (@PeteWishart) March 10, 2016
Twitter user John Angus added:
Question Time from Dundee #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/qm3f15tS0b
— John Angus 🏴 (@IAmJohnAngus) March 11, 2016
The BBC was forced to issue a statement defending its audience selection procedures, stating: “We are careful to select audiences which are politically balanced and reflect a range of political views.
“Every member of this audience was a Scottish resident and from Dundee or the surrounding area.
“They are chosen because they hold a spectrum of views on a number of topics, including the EU referendum and Scottish independence.”
This week’s show will be hosted by Fiona Bruce. She will be making her first visit to Dundee with Question Time but visited the V&A last year in her other role as presenter of Antiques Roadshow.
Question Time comes from Dundee this week. Join us on Thursday at 10.35pm on @BBCOne and @bbc5live #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/vZ837TlfTy
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) February 11, 2020
But many viewers have still not forgotten Question Time’s 2016 visit.
Christine Cresswell posted:
And how will you balance your audience in Dundee? Should have overwhelming #Indyref numbers!
— Christine Cresswell (@artmadnana) February 11, 2020
Some Dundonians have found nationwide – if somewhat fleeting – fame after appearing on debate shows.
A 2015 STV leaders debate is best remembered for the appearance of Dundee taxi driver, and singer in a Led Zeppelin tribute band, Danny McAfee who is perhaps better known as Fake Moustache Man.
He said he wore the comedy prop to liven up the debate, which he predicted would be a “yawnfest”.
