BBC defends decision to replace Mamma Mia star Sara Poyzer with AI on upcoming ... trends now
The BBC has defended its decision to replace an actress with AI on a forthcoming documentary, revealing that the technology has been used 'recreate a voice' for a person who is 'nearing the end of life'.
Sara Poyzer, who has performed as a lead actress in Mama Mia, sparked concerns in the industry after she revealed that the BBC was using an AI voice instead of her on a show.
She posted on social media how she had been informed that she was no longer needed for a role as result of the technology.
But this morning the BBC has moved to counter criticism of the decision, which has sparked concerns in the acting community.
In a statement the corporation said it was making a 'highly sensitive' programme with a contributor who is 'unable to speak'.
It added it had been working with the family on how to represent their voice 'when the words they have written are read out' at the end of the film.
Sara Poyzer (pictured as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia) has dominated the West End for her performance as a lead actress in Mamma Mia for over ten years
Yesterday she received an email from the corporation telling her she was no longer needed for a role
The BBC said that in these 'very particular circumstances' and the 'family's wishes in mind' it had agreed to use AI 'for a brief section' to 'recreate a voice' that could no longer be heard.
A spokesman said the use of the technology would be 'clearly labelled' in the film.
A BBC spokesman said: 'We are making a highly sensitive documentary which features a contributor who is nearing the end of life and is now unable to speak.
'We have been working closely with their family to explore how we might best represent the contributor's voice at the end of the film when words they have written are read out.
'In these very particular circumstances and with the family's wishes in mind we have agreed to use AI for a brief section to recreate a voice which can now no longer be heard. This will be clearly labelled within the film.'
Ms Poyzer has toured the world playing Donna Sheridan in the Mamma Mia musical for 11 years, and has had a successful career as an actress and voiceover artist.
Most recently starring in Olivier award winning West End show Come From Away, she has been employed by the BBC for at least 20 years working on hit shows Doctors, EastEnders and The Archers.
But earlier this week she received an email from the corporation telling her she was no longer needed for a role.
