William Shatner embroiled in spat over quiz show

Star Trek icon William Shatner is caught up in a bizarre spat over a joke made by a panellist during his appearance as host of a satirical TV news show.

The veteran actor took the presenter's chair on the BBC's Have I Got News for You on Friday, but a comment from a fellow guest has sparked a complaint from a member of Parliament (MP).

Referring to a recent story about the Olympic torch passing through the city of Truro in Cornwall, Shatner asked contestants, "What caused confusion in Truro?"

Funnyman Andy Hamilton replied, "Well, they're Cornish aren't they? They'll always be confused in Truro," but the remark has angered the MP for the region, Dan Rogerson.

He has lodged a complaint with the BBC and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, and says, "Of course I like a joke as much as the next person, but on this occasion I can't help but feel that these comments wouldn't be tolerated if they were aimed at the Welsh, Scottish or indeed any other nationality or cultural minority."