diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/metadata/single.py b/src/calibre/gui2/metadata/single.py
index fd0d0a6953..064d12909e 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/metadata/single.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/metadata/single.py
@@ -785,7 +785,6 @@ class MetadataSingleDialogAlt1(MetadataSingleDialogBase): # {{{
             gb.setLayout(gbl)
             sr = QScrollArea(tab0)
             sr.setWidgetResizable(True)
-            sr.setBackgroundRole(QPalette.Base)
             sr.setFrameStyle(QFrame.NoFrame)
             sr.setWidget(w)
             gbl.addWidget(sr)