The writers and stars of Little Britain Matt Lucas and David Walliams have apologised for wearing blackface for sketches in the show.

The British sitcom has been at the centre of a race row recently and subsequently been removed from global streaming service Netflix.

Lucas and Walliams, who also had their follow-up show Come Fly With Me taken down, insists they regret the ill-thought out skits.

Lucas said: "David and I have both spoken publicly in recent years of our regret that we played characters of other races.

"Once again we want to make it clear that it was wrong and we are very sorry."

Walliams released the same statement on social media as the pair aimed to put to bed the controversy surrounding the show.

The show has also recently been taken off of BBC iPlayer following the race row.

Speaking to The Sun, a BBC spokesperson said: "There's a lot of historical programming available on BBC iPlayer, which we regularly review.

"Times have changed since Little Britain first aired so it is not currently available on BBC iPlayer."

Other British comedies such as The Mighty Boosh and Fawlty Towers have also had episodes temporarily or permanently taken down.

And other shows like Gavin and Stacey have come under fire for racial references in their show, however the BBC have confirmed James Corden and Ruth Jones’ sitcom will remain on iPlayer.