An episode of Miranda featuring gags about a chocolate penis lollipop sparked talks amongst BBC bosses, writer and star Miranda Hart has revealed.

Speaking at a session dedicated to the smash-hit BBC Two sitcom at the MediaGuardian-sponsored Edinburgh International Television Festival, Hart revealed that - in the wake of the Jonathan Ross/Russell Brand "Sachsgate" scandal - BBC bosses were worried about possible furore surrounding her character enjoying the novelty confectionery.

Reportedly, the issue was raised by BBC Two boss Janice Hadlow when the series, originally planned as a post-watershed programme, had its timeslot changed to 8:30pm. Hadlow took the issue to Jana Bennett, then head of BBC Vision and second only to director general Mark Thompson.

BBC management apparently undertook a "forensic analysis" of the episode in question, eventually re-shooting key scenes involving a less prominent 'cockolate'.

Hart said "We had this hilarious meeting with Janice Hadlow where she said 'It's just that the penis is a little bit anatomically correct. We just laughed so much, it was the most bizarre meeting."

Head of comedy Mark Freeland added that he had discussed the issue in a meeting with Bennett. The corporation was concerned that the scenes broke editorial guidelines and would be unsuitable for families in the audience. Much concern centred on whether Hart had licked or sucked the chocolate-on-a-stick.

Freeland added: "The great thing about Miranda is that everyone can watch it. The biggest crime in comedy is an embarrassed family."

The third series of Miranda is expected to premiere later this year, moving from BBC Two to BBC One, traditionally a more family-friendly channel.

Hart, the main writer of the series, said: "Editorially we don't have to change anything because it is [still] pre-watershed. I am trying not to think about what kind of difference it could make because it is just another thing to get nervous about, but you do expect it to get 2 or 3 million more viewers. I don't read reviews but I do ask what the ratings are simply because you don't want to go from 4 million to 2 million the following week."