Why did the BBC buy Branson show made by his own son? Corporation accused of conflict of interest over doc about commercial space travel

The BBC is to boldly go into the future with a documentary about commercial space travel and exploration featuring Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic programme.

However, it stands accused of a conflict of interest as the BBC2 programme, Quest For Space, is produced by Sundog Pictures — run by Branson's son Sam — and another company, Voltage.

The BBC denies the programme will be one giant family advertisement.

A BBC spokesman says: 'It's about the future of space exploration — space tourism and space mining.

The BBC is to boldly go into the future with a documentary about commercial space travel and exploration featuring Sir Richard Branson's (pictured with his son Sam) Virgin Galactic programme

The BBC is to boldly go into the future with a documentary about commercial space travel and exploration featuring Sir Richard Branson's (pictured with his son Sam) Virgin Galactic programme

'It will feature a number of different companies involved in this area including Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Space X and Virgin Galactic. Plus Nasa, Deep Space Industries and Planetary Resources.

'The final editorial responsibility for delivery of the programme to the BBC is resting with Voltage. It will adhere to the BBC's editorial guidelines.'

Publicity-loving Branson, pictured right with Sam, is likely to see the programme as a public relations coup after Virgin Galactic was hit by a string of negative headlines.

Three years ago, a test pilot was killed when the company's SpaceShipTwo — a plane designed to run the first ever passenger flights into space — split into pieces and fell to earth over California's Mojave Desert. 

Wreckage rained from the sky as one pilot, Peter Siebold, 43, managed to eject from the cockpit, while the other, Mike Alsbury, a 39-year-old father of two, was left strapped to his seat, plummeted to the ground and died.

Sundog Pictures has already been suspended by the BBC from any future commissions pending an investigation into its BBC3 documentary Reggie Yates: Hidden Australia over an alleged breach of editorial standards.

In a section of the programme broadcast earlier this year, an Aboriginal wake was allegedly filmed as if it were a 'party scene' featuring Australian Aborigines 'ravaged by alcohol addiction'.

Quest For Space was commissioned before the suspension was imposed. 

 

Don't ask Sir David Attenborough for a selfie, as he won't oblige. The 91-year-old national treasure often attracts fans' attention when he's out and about in London's cultural hot spots and says: 'You have to be careful because, although it may be irritating, these are the people who watch you. 

They are doing it because they like you, so it's ungrateful. But at the same time, you could be thinking about what you are looking at. So when people ask for a selfie, I say: 'I'm not on duty at the moment', and they say: 'Oh fine, thank you.' ' 

HOW LITTLE RONNIE'S WIDOW BEAT BUG FOR ABBEY SERVICE 

Ronnie Corbett's feisty widow, former West End musical star Anne Hart, has fought a brave and determined battle to be present at the service of thanksgiving for the comedy legend's life and work at Westminster Abbey today.

Unknown to all except family and close friends, Anne, 84, only emerged from hospital at the weekend after suffering from a severe chest infection which bordered on pneumonia. There were fears and doubts about her attendance at the service, but she was adamant that nothing would stop her being at the Abbey tribute to her husband of 50 years.

Accompanied by her daughters, Emma and Sophie, and by her four grandchildren, she will travel by car from her home in Addington, Surrey, to lead the 2,000-strong congregation.

In the 14 months since Ronnie's death from motor neurone disease, Anne has received support and encouragement from the Duchess of Cornwall, whose mother-in-law, the Queen, recently went on record to reveal that his partnership with the late Ronnie Barker in The Two Ronnies is still among her own favourite viewing. 

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An Ivy date for Brooklyn and Noel Gallagher's girl 

Noel Gallagher's daughter Anais and David Beckham's son Brooklyn, both 17, dined at a Wonderland magazine party at the Ivy Soho Brasserie on Monday.

Noel Gallagher's daughter Anais and David Beckham's son Brooklyn, both 17, dined at a Wonderland magazine party at the Ivy Soho Brasserie on Monday

Noel Gallagher's daughter Anais and David Beckham's son Brooklyn, both 17, dined at a Wonderland magazine party at the Ivy Soho Brasserie on Monday

The pair, who go to the same school, sparked romance rumours last year after they were seen together at a Stone Roses concert in June and then at London's Winter Wonderland in December.

Brooklyn, godson of Sir Elton John, has also been linked to Hollywood's Chloe Grace Moretz and Sofia Richie, daughter of soul legend Lionel. 

 

Seventies singer Peter Skellern, whose ballad You're A Lady reached No. 3, left nothing in his will following his death aged 69 in February. He left a net estate of £28,014, reduced to nil after liabilities. The musician named his wife Diana as his sole beneficiary after funeral and legal expenses. He turned his attention to choral music in recent years, often appearing on Songs Of Praise, and was ordained as a priest last October. 

 

Feminist Germaine Greer has written an Alphabetical Autobiography. Under E for Exes, she says: 'I still see the man who had my unlamented virginity, and I still love him, in my fashion.

'Nowadays my old boyfriends are falling off the twig.

Feminist Germaine Greer has written an Alphabetical Autobiography. Under E for Exes, she says: 'I still see the man who had my unlamented virginity, and I still love him, in my fashion

Feminist Germaine Greer has written an Alphabetical Autobiography. Under E for Exes, she says: 'I still see the man who had my unlamented virginity, and I still love him, in my fashion

'Another died on Good Friday. I wait to hear if I am expected to contribute to the funeral expenses.

'His children don't know that when I left him 60 years ago, I transferred my bank balance to his account.'

 

Actor Martin Freeman's ex, Amanda Abbington, says she was grateful for the support she received on social media when it was announced she was splitting from the Sherlock star, and the father of her two children, last year. Now, however, the actress has revealed she's taking leave of Twitter, without any explanation. 'Bubbye Twitter for a while,' she writes. 'I'm leaving you for a bit. But I'm sure I'll be back very soon. Be nice and funny won't you.'

 

Jagger Jr gets sat-ice-faction 

Sir Mick Jagger's grandson Ray, who turns three this month, reveals he has an appetite for ice cream. His mother Jade tells me: 'Ray's showing signs of musical talent. He likes to bang things a lot.' Just like his 73-year-old grandad then. 

Mick Jagger The Rolling Stones in concert at the Circus Maximus, Rome, Italy - 22 Jun 2014
Sir Mick Jagger's grandson Ray, who turns three this month, reveals he has an appetite for ice cream

Sir Mick Jagger's grandson Ray, who turns three this month, reveals he has an appetite for ice cream

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