Rory Bremner, the political impressionist, said he fears joking about Islam could lead to his death due to the “chilling” issue of fundamentalism.
Bremner said self-censorship was the biggest obstacle today for comedians addressing topical issues, due to fears of retribution by extremists.
His comments came as he discussed the future of satire with Sir David Frost on a BBC documentary, Frost on Satire, to be broadcast on Thursday.
Sir David professed himself “surprised” at Bremner’s comments that he feared a joke could put his life in danger.