- By Stephen Mackintosh and Helen Bushby
- Entertainment reporter
image source, Getty Images
Greg James and Chris Smith are known for writing the Kid Normal series of children’s books
BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James said he and former newsreader Chris Smith were “so sorry they took offence” with a comment about a glass eye in a video to announce their new children’s book.
In the clip, the duo discuss ideas to make the characters, inspired by Roald Dahl’s The Twits, “more disgusting”.
When illustrator Emily Jones suggested a glass eye, Smith replied: “That’s it. What a disgusting pair of Twits!”
This drew criticism for a “negative representation” of disability.
James and Smith, who write the popular Kid Normal books, have co-authored The Twits Next Door – part of a new series commissioned by the Roald Dahl Story Company.
In the video, the two came up with ways to make the characters look “really disgusting” and “terrible.”
James posted on X that it was “not our intention at all” to cause offense “and we apologize unreservedly”.
image source, Getty Images
Numerous contemporary authors will shed new light on Roald Dahl’s books
He wrote: “We understand that words matter and are proud to champion and welcome everyone into the magical world of children’s books. We would never think that we would deliberately seek to exclude anyone.’
James added that with the glass eye comment, “we’re trying to pay homage to one of Twit’s most famous pranks involving a glass of beer to remind people of Dahl’s infamous terrible twos.”
He said it was not part of the plot of the new story, “nor was it our intention to suggest that it was disgusting in any way”.
“It’s unfortunate that the word disgusting seems like a direct comment on this. This is a mistake on our part.
“We are devastated that it has happened this way, but we completely understand why there is anger. And we appreciate everyone who correctly called it out.
“We totally hear that, we’re so upset that we made a mistake, but we’re still incredibly proud of this book and excited to get out there and share it with young readers all over the world x.”
Video response included The Royal National Institute for Blind People says: “When there is positive representation of disability in children’s books, children with disabilities feel seen and heard, and their friends and classmates treat everyone equally.
“There’s nothing disgusting about prosthetic eyes, we think they’re brilliant.”
The sight loss charity encouraged James and Smith to “talk to us about promoting acceptance and understanding of disability”.
Charity range published on X: “Positive representation of disability in children’s books helps improve attitudes and inclusion.” So what can we expect from a negative performance like this?’
They also posted a video saying: “Greg and Chris, we know you can do better. The disability community wants to help you get there.”
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Paralympian Tani Gray-Thompsonwho is also a peer in the House of Lords, posted: “Thank you. Thank you very much. #sarcasm. I hoped the world had moved on.’
The backlash follows an announcement earlier Friday that James and Smith are among a number of current authors writing new stories based on Dahl’s classic books.
Their romance will see a new family called the Lovelies move in next door to The Twits, prompting the Twits to come up with a plan to get rid of their awfully nice new neighbors. The Twits Next Door will be published in August.
Elsewhere, TV presenter Connie Huck, The Last Leg comedian Adam Hills and author Adam Kay will contribute to a collection of short stories, Charlie and the Christmas Factory.
The move follows Netflix’s purchase of the rights to Dahl’s children’s books in 2021. The streaming giant now owns the Roald Dahl Story Company, giving it ultimate control over what happens to Dahl’s stories in publication, as well as TV and film. .
