Comedian and writer Robin Ince has announced his resignation from the long-running BBC Radio 4 programme The Infinite Monkey Cage, accusing the broadcaster of trying to silence his political opinions.
Ince, 56, who has co-presented the show alongside Professor Brian Cox since 2009, revealed that he chose to leave the programme after 16 years rather than compromise his freedom to speak openly on contentious issues.
Known for blending science with comedy, The Infinite Monkey Cage has earned a loyal following by exploring complex scientific topics with a humorous edge. However, Ince claims that recently BBC executives pressured him to tone down his outspoken views on subjects including transgender rights, politics, and social justice.
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In a heartfelt post on Bluesky, Ince described his departure as “the saddest day of my professional life” and made clear that he resigned voluntarily rather than being dismissed. He expressed frustration that his outside opinions—such as supporting the trans community and criticizing political figures like Donald Trump—were deemed problematic for a BBC freelance science presenter.
“I was faced with a choice,” Ince wrote. “Either obey and be quieter to stay on the show or resign and have the freedom to speak out against injustices. I chose the latter. It broke my heart.”
He reiterated his love for the programme and its audience but emphasized his discomfort with silence in the face of growing platforms for extremist and divisive voices. “I couldn’t pamper myself with the luxury of silence,” he said.
Ince also highlighted his dedication to the show over the years, working well beyond his contracted hours to ensure its quality and connect with listeners. He hopes that stepping down will allow him to better support marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals, as well as activists and prisoners on hunger strike.
His announcement sparked widespread debate on social media, with some expressing disappointment over his exit and others questioning the future of the show without one of its key founders. Calls for co-host Brian Cox to resign in solidarity have also appeared online.
Robin Ince’s departure marks a significant moment for The Infinite Monkey Cage, raising challenging questions about freedom of expression, political sensitivity, and the role of public broadcasters in managing diverse viewpoints.