Alan Carr has apologised for any offence he caused by dedicating his British Comedy Award to Karen Matthews, who last week was found guilty of the kidnap of her ‘missing’ daughter Shannon. When asked by press at Saturday’s awards who would be a dream guest on his Celebrity Ding Dong show Alan said he had originally planned a sketch to feature rough women not fashionistas. “It didn't work out because they couldn't cast it. I suppose it is a bit difficult to find rough women. I suppose Shannon Matthew's mum was busy," he said. "Oh yeah, she would be my dream guest. I think she's a gay icon. People like a bit of rough don't they? I must be obsessed with her actually if you look at my Google searches. So I should dedicate this award to her." Junior Justice minister Shahid Malik, the MP for Dewsbury, West Yorkshire led the criticism of the comments. “I think Alan Carr can be funny on occasion but I think last night he really let himself down,” He told the Daily Mail. “I think most people think it to be both sick and insensitive and people will be disgusted with him at a time when many people are looking very closely at the comic/comedian profession anyway. This isn't a helpful contribution either to the sad case of Shannon Matthews, where we've only just got a conviction, and Michael Donovan and Karen Matthews haven't even been sentenced yet.” Alan has been quick to apologise, telling press, “I realise what I said was insensitive and I am very sorry for any offence caused."
