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Comedian questions S4C’s ‘choices and priorities’ after Tory MP visit to TV set

03 Jul 2021 3 minute read
Virginia Crosbie

A comedian asked why S4C made her take off a NHS badge while filming while a Tory MP was welcomed on to the set of a children’s programme for the same channel.

Kiri Prichard-McLean said the TV channel had “odd priorities” by asking her to take off her badge while appearing on the Iaith ar Daith programme on learning Welsh while the Tory MP for Ynys Môn Virginia Crosbie had no such difficulties when visiting the set of Rownd a Rownd at Porthaethwy (Menai Bridge).

On Twitter, Ms Pritchard-McLean said: “According to her latest mailout the Tory MP for Môn is going to be on the “children’s TV Show” @rowndarownd.  Interesting choice for @s4c that. When I filmed for them at the start of this year I was wearing a badge with “NHS” on & they made me take it off. Odd priorities.”

 

An S4C spokesperson said: “Virginia Crosbie, as the local elected MP, visited the set of Rownd a Rownd recently as Rhun ab Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru MS) and Albert Owen (former Labour MP for Ynys Môn) have done in the past. There was some jocular reference to Ms Crosbie appearing as an “extra” during her visit but there are no plans for this to happen.”

On her Facebook page Mrs Crosbie said: “Diolch yn fawr iawn i Manon, Cliff a’r tim yn Rownd a Rownd am brynhawn bendigedig. Thanks so much to the Rownd a Rownd team for a wonderful afternoon at their Menai Bridge set and new studios at Llangefni.

‘Privilege’

“It was a privilege to meet with the cast and crew including the show’s newest cast member, Meredydd Rhisiart – whose character is a school sixth former.
“Impressively the show has been going for over a quarter of a century and is a huge part of the Menai Bridge community. S4C have just re-released the very first series on their Clic online service https://www.s4c.cymru/clic/ so that audiences can enjoy the very first episodes from 1995 as well as enjoy the current on screen series.

‘Enthusiasm’

“The series does so much to support the Welsh language and transcends all ages from young to old. I speak Welsh every week (not as well as my Welsh grandad and Welsh father!) on MônFM – the team were so kind and encouraging about my enthusiasm and progress. I fully realise the importance of Welsh language broadcasting and the role S4C has played in developing a creative sector here in North Wales.
“Rownd a Rownd has launched many young people’s careers and the new studio development will bring new investment to our island.
“Diolch yn fawr Rownd a Rownd! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

During the start of the pandemic Mrs Crosbie defended Jake Berry, the Tory MP Rossendale and Darwen in Lancashire, who she said had not left the island since before the lockdown.She posted a message on Facebook following speculation on social media that Jake Berry may have travelled to the island.

nation.cymru has contacted Mrs Crosbie to ask for her response to comments by Ms McLean.


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