Brexit joke in 'Doctor Who' splits audience

As one might expect, a joke about Brexit in the New Year’s Day episode of Doctor Who split the viewing public straight down the middle.

The veteran sci-fi series unveiled its festive episode last night rather than on Christmas Day, as is traditional for the show.

And in a call to the Unified Intelligence Task Force – or UNIT – Jodie Whittaker’s Time Lord slipped in a sly gag about a future outside of the EU.

Explaining that the fate of mankind was in the balance, and help from UNIT was desperately needed, she’s transferred to the ‘UK Security Helpline’ instead.

The voice at the other end of the line replies: “Oh, I’m so sorry. UNIT operations have been suspended, pending review.”

Baffled, the Doctor asks: “What? No, it can’t have been. UNIT is a fundamentally vital protection for planet Earth against alien invasion. What happened to it?”

“All UNIT operations were put on hold following financial disputes and subsequent funding withdrawal by the UK’s major international partners,” the call centre worker replies.

“Other armed forces are available if you could answer a couple of questions on how I may best direct your call.”

Ending the call, the Doctor explains: “We’re on our own.”

Some didn’t take it too well.

Others, found it hilarious. If with a whiff of the gallows about it.

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