BBC STUMBLES OVER 39 STEPS.

Byline: By EMMA SMITH

AN adaptation of The 39 Steps has been slammed for a spate of historical blunders.

Scot John Buchan's spy novel was set on the eve of the First World War in 1914.

But the Beeb version showed hero Richard Hannay - played by Rupert Penry-Jones - living in a 1920s-style art deco building.

A car chase involved a 1924 Morris Oxford and 1927 Wolseley. And a scene where Hannay is pursued across moors by a biplane features a type of aircraft that was not in use in 1914.

So far 24 viewers have called the BBC to complain. But new controller of drama Ben Stephenson insisted period dramas do not have to be strictly accurate, despite the complaints.

It is not the first time the BBC has come under fire for historical errors.

In Life on Mars, hero Sam Tyler wore a dual-display LCD watch, only available later in the 70s. And viewers complained women did not flaunt their sexuality as openly as was depicted in series Rome.

The Tudors was also criticised for a scene which showed Anne Boleyn playing the violin - even though it had not been invented in Henry VIII's time.

CAPTION(S):

Plane silly: The moors chase