Comedian 'feels terrible' about injured soldiers joke

Comedian Jimmy Carr admitted today he “feels terrible” about offending injured soldiers with a recent joke – and has now dropped the gag from his act.

The TV comic was condemned for the quip during a stand-up show last month, although he has also had messages of support from servicemen.

Carr told Absolute Radio presenter Christian O’Connell that he was “sensitive” to people’s feelings about the issue.

Channel 4’s '8 Out of 10 Cats' presenter drew criticism when he told the audience at Manchester Apollo: “Say what you like about servicemen amputees from Iraq and Afghanistan, but we’re going to have a f***ing good paralympic team in 2012.”

But Carr said today: “I feel terrible about it.”

“I dropped the joke (from) the set. I am sensitive – I think it’s become a bigger thing than just a joke.”

He added: “I’ve had lots of support over it from squaddies, from young guys. Much as I think it’s fine to make a joke ... people have the right to object, especially this time of year, with Remembrance Sunday coming up and all that.”