The BBC has angered licence fee payers and the likes of actors Amanda Abbington and Sally Carman after it gave "approval" for an actress to be replaced by AI.
Sara Poyzer, a voiceover artist and theatre performer best known for starring in the stage production of Mamma Mia, took to social media on Wednesday to share an email from a production company that appeared to confirm the snub.
Poyzer didn't disclose what show for the BBC it was that she'd been turned down for.
However, she did share a screengrab of aforementioned email that read: "Sorry for the delay.
"We have had the approval from the BBC to use the AI generated voice so we won’t need Sara anymore."
Poyzer posted the image on Instagram alongside a sad-faced emoji and the one-word caption: "Sobering…@bbc @equityuk."
Sara Poyzer is an actor whose credits include the screen and stage
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It didn't take long for a number of Poyzer's followers and fellow actors to react to the snub.
Former Strictly and Sherlock star Abbington hit out in the comments: "F***. That," followed by a series of angry emojis.
While soap star Carman furiously typed: "Not acceptable on ANY level. I hate where this is heading. Greedy companies killing creativity and ultimately a profession for a cheap buck."
Kirsty Hoiles, who currently stars in ITV's divisive new drama Passenger, similarly echoed: "Jesus that’s depressing."
Sobering….🙁 @EquityUK @bbcarts pic.twitter.com/9D0H928xJZ
— Sara Poyzer (@SaraPoyzer) March 26, 2024
Meanwhile, Poyzer's fans slammed the BBC for its decision, with one raging: "It’s so out of order - shameful of the @bbcarts @bbc - there needs to be transparency so we can choose to avoid watching/listening to such shows."
And a second agreed: "I cannot believe what I’m reading?!? This is 1000% their loss." (sic)
The BBC has since addressed Poyzer's comments, with a spokesperson telling GB News: "We are making a highly sensitive documentary which features a contributor who is nearing the end of life and is now unable to speak.
"We have been working closely with their family to explore how we might best represent the contributor’s voice at the end of the film when words they have written are read out.
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The BBC has been slammed for rejecting an actor in favour of AI in one of its projects
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"In these very particular circumstances and with the family’s wishes in mind we have agreed to use AI for a brief section to recreate a voice which can now no longer be heard. This will be clearly labelled within the film.”
Poyzer also shared the email on X, formerly Twitter, where it was met with a similar reaction, including from comedian Stevie Martin who branded it "horrifying".
The actor's voiceover agency, Voice Squad has released a statement about the rejection in response to the BBC's decision.
A spokesperson said, via Deadline: "We were very disappointed to receive the production company’s response, particularly as it’s a BBC project.
"The BBC has always stood for quality in their factual and drama broadcasting. As a voiceover agency, we feel that AI is a danger to the whole industry – removing work from artists who have trained for three years at drama school and spent many years honing their craft.
"Voice artists are particularly skilled actors who deserve not to have their work devalued."
