The BBC has aired a Question Time episode featuring artificial intelligence recreations of historical figures including Winston Churchill, Frida Kahlo and Mahatma Gandhi to debate public concerns about the technology. The unusual segment opened the programme, which this week focused on the growing influence of AI in society.
The use of AI-generated versions of real people marks a significant step in mainstream broadcasting. The BBC has long been a trusted source of news and debate, and the decision to deploy such technology on a flagship current affairs show has sparked discussion about the boundaries of AI in media. The episode saw the digital avatars respond to questions on regulation, job displacement and the ethical limits of machine learning.
“The BBC used AI versions of historical figures including Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi on Question Time to debate concerns about artificial intelligence, as a UnHerd essay argues for 'artisanal intelligence' to combat low-quality AI content.”
This comes amid a wider debate in the UK about the quality and authenticity of AI-generated content. In a recent essay published by UnHerd, the term "Age of Slop" has been used to describe the flood of low-quality, automated material — from articles to images — that risks overwhelming genuine human creativity. The article argues for a shift towards "artisanal intelligence", where AI tools are used carefully and with human oversight, rather than as a replacement for thought and craftsmanship.
The regional dimension of this issue is significant across the UK. While London is home to many AI start-ups and tech hubs, concerns about the impact on creative industries are particularly acute in Scotland and Wales, where film, television and cultural production are vital to local economies. Northern Ireland, with its growing digital sector, also faces questions about how to balance innovation with protecting jobs and cultural identity. The BBC, as a national broadcaster, must navigate these sensitivities as it experiments with AI on air.
Expert voices in the field have been divided. The UnHerd piece, though not quoting specific figures, reflects a growing sentiment among commentators and academics that the current trajectory of AI development prioritises quantity over quality. Some warn that without careful curation, AI could erode trust in media and diminish the value of original work. The BBC's own editorial guidelines stress the importance of accuracy and transparency, which the use of AI avatars may complicate.
What happens next remains uncertain. The BBC has not announced further plans to use AI presenters or guests, but the Question Time episode signals a willingness to explore the technology's potential. Meanwhile, the government is expected to publish a whitepaper on AI regulation later this year, which may address issues of content authenticity and public interest. For now, the debate over whether AI can meaningfully contribute to public discourse — or whether it simply adds to the "slop" — is likely to intensify.
What This Means For You: For homeowners and renters, AI tools are increasingly used in property valuation and management, but concerns about data privacy remain. Workers in creative fields — journalists, artists, musicians — may face pressure from automated content, though the push for "artisanal intelligence" could protect niche and high-quality work. Pensioners may be targeted by AI-generated scams, while families should be aware of AI's role in educational tools and social media algorithms. Students must navigate academic integrity as AI writing tools become more common. The BBC's experiment reminds all viewers that AI is no longer a distant concept but a visible part of everyday media.