Comedian and actor Romesh Ranganathan has issued a stark warning about the potential loss of the BBC, describing it as "catastrophic" despite acknowledging the broadcaster is "not without its flaws".
The 48-year-old spearheaded a three-minute promotional film, featuring nearly 100 stars, as part of a new campaign designed to highlight the national broadcaster's value by posing the question: "What has the BBC ever done for me?"
The corporation stated the initiative launches as it navigates "a crucial period of charter renewal discussions and seeks to demonstrate the priceless and unique role it has for everyone in the UK".
In a statement released by the BBC, Ranganathan explained it was a "no-brainer" to helm the campaign, crediting the broadcaster with launching his own career.
He said: “I strongly believe that the BBC should exist.
“It’s not without its flaws and there have definitely been times and issues where I wished it could have dealt with things differently – but it adds so much to our lives and I’m really proud of it.”
The award-winning comedian added: “I believe that there’s nothing else that does what the BBC does and that we need to make sure it’s around for our kids and future generations.”
The short film sees him travel through a string of the best-known BBC programmes, sets and studios – joined by household names including broadcaster Louis Theroux and Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke.
Ranganathan noted that making the film was “surreal” as he was “surrounded by lots of famous faces, TV and radio stars and iconic characters”.
“And it was a validating experience because I was in the company of so many people who feel the same way that I do about the BBC,” he added.
The London-born comedian, who is of Sri Lankan Tamil descent, continued: “Growing up, I didn’t think people who looked like me could do comedy as a job.
“I was always a massive comedy fan and even as a kid I was performing stand up routines for any audience I could get.”
“But when Goodness Gracious Me started on BBC Two, it showed me that it was possible,” he said, referring to the broadcasters’ hit South Asian sketch show.
He said: “Every comedian needs breaks at the beginning of their career and mine came on the BBC.
“I started doing comedy on radio, then hosted Newsjack on BBC Radio 4 Extra, then I was getting booked for Mock The Week, then I did Live At The Apollo and I ended up hosting Asian Provocateur and The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan and I’ve gone on to host other things.
“Throughout my career, the BBC has had an avenue for whatever level I’ve been at.”
Ranganathan also praised the BBC as it “brings people together in a unique way”, citing the Covid-19 lockdowns as an example of this, adding: “That’s just one example of what the BBC can do really, really well.
“When we were in a situation when everybody felt isolated it gave us a feeling of togetherness.
“And the BBC is still where people want to go for big events like a royal wedding or a World Cup.”
The Weakest Link presenter and father-of-three also praised the BBC’s children services, saying the corporation “has to be willing to be incredibly responsive and nimble in terms of identifying what young people need and want”.
Ranganathan continued: “We’ve all heard discourse about the BBC and people speaking for and against it and it’s become a hot topic.
“But in a world where we’re increasingly fed a diet of things to drive numbers, one of the things that makes the BBC unique is that its programming isn’t just numbers driven.
“Obviously, there are certain shows on the BBC that are huge but it offers content and services across the board, including special interest, mainstream things and such a wide variety for all sections of society.
“And because it is the British Broadcasting Corporation, it’s driven by that motive to serve the public.
“It’s not just populist and I think that’s really important.
“Making the film was an amazing experience and I couldn’t help but feel honoured to be asked to front it.
“I hope it gets over the message that whatever you’re into, the BBC provides something for you. And I think to lose that would be catastrophic.”
Romesh, Mr Tumble and Theroux’s lever of doom: The BBC advert dividing the nation
BBC sees TV licence sales surge amid World Cup
BBC pays tribute to commentator’s missing cat after viral World Cup moment
BBC commentator mistakes huge pop star for ‘AKA Rocky’ in cringe World Cup moment
Prince Harry reveals where England went wrong with World Cup defeat
World’s Strongest Man joins cast of Gladiators for new series