THE BBC is reviewing episodes of Robert Kilroy-Silk’s talk show in an attempt to identify examples of discriminatory behaviour that, if found, could prove grounds for his sacking.

Discussions about race relations during the BBC One programme will be scrutinised for signs of the alleged anti-Arab views expressed by Kilroy-Silk in his Sunday Express newspaper column.

The BBC was also yesterday examining examples of what are said to be “previous xenophobic remarks” sent to the corporation by the Muslim Council of Britain. Muslim leaders said many anti-Arab comments made Kilroy-Silk’s position as a presenter untenable.

A Muslim former employee on the programme has also claimed that she was dissuaded from booking Muslims to take part.

Ifhat Shaheen-Smith worked on the programme as a trainee researcher for two months in 1994. Ms Shaheen-Smith said: “There was a programme about mixed wards but I was advised not to pick Muslims for the discussion. I was told by his staff that Kilroy had a bad experience with some Algerians on air and didn’t want any similar troubles. The audience guests I was told Kilroy most wanted, were most sought-after, were white, middle-aged affluent women.”

The Metropolitan Police is investigating a complaint from the Commission for Racial Equality over the Express article.

Kilroy has been off air since Monday and viewing figures for replacement programmes have increased. Jana Bennett, BBC director of television, said: “The key issue is Robert Kilroy-Silk’s ability to be an impartial and credible presenter of a topical daily discussion programme given the views he has stated.”

Alison Sharman, BBC Daytime Controller, has begun a review of Kilroy programmes. The BBC hopes to make a decision by the end of the week.

Of the 50,000 calls and e-mails to the BBC since his suspension, the majority have backed his right to speak out.

Kilroy TV, which makes the show, could not be reached for comment.

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