The BBC has been told it must not stitch up Nigel Farage yet again when he appears on Question Time tonight.
The Reform UK leader will appear on the weekly panel in Lincoln, alongside Labour’s Jacqui Smith and the Tories’ Kevin Hollinrake.
However most viewers will likely tune in due to the fourth panellist: former Blair spinner-turned-podcaster Alastair Campbell.
While Nigel Farage will have no problems facing down the bruising Remoaner, a source has revealed to the Express that the BBC deliberately stitches up the Reform leader whoever he appears.
According to the source, once the BBC has booked Mr Farage they then deliberately go to the most combative left-winger possible to ensure a thorough duffing up on the programme.
His history of appearances suggests this to be true: while tonight he’s battling Mr Campbell, in recent years he’s also faced off against Piers Morgan and most famously of all Russell Brand.
The latter accused Mr Farage of being a “Poundshop Enoch Powell” in a clip that went viral.
In May Mr Farage went up against broadcaster Piers Morgan, with the latter accusing him of “bottling it” by refusing to stand in the election.
He blasted Mr Farage: “You’ve had all year to think about this election – you knew it was coming!”
Mr Farage gave as good as he got, retorting: “I have a nightly TV show, yours has been shut down – you’re a YouTuber!”
Mr Farage later changed his mind, standing in the election and winning a seat for the first time.
Speaking to sources close to Nigel Farage, the Express learned that while he’s not afraid of debating anyone, they are concerned about the BBC’s attitude to selecting the audience.
In June Mr Farage appeared on the Question Time election special only to be met with an overwhelming hostile audience who did not give him a single round of applause.
This row led to Reform UK announcing a boycott of the BBC for the rest of the election.
He took to X to fume: “I have just been invited to appear on Laura Kuenssberg. I’m refusing until the BBC apologises for their dishonest Question Time audience.”
“Our state broadcaster has behaved like a political actor throughout this election. Reform will be campaigning vigorously to abolish the licence fee.”
Speaking ahead of tonight’s show, a source close to Nigel Farage told the Express: “The last time Nigel Farage did Question Time the audience was so rigged it ended in Reform boycotting the BBC for the rest of the election.”
“Let us hope they have learned their lesson this time”
The BBC was approached for comment.
