The BBC has defended the decision to use an uncensored version of Fairytale of New York in the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special.
The one-off episode, which is set to air on Christmas day and reunites the sitcom’s original cast after a decade-long break, sees characters sing along to The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s track, which features the homophobic slur f****t.
The BBC stood behind show creators James Corden and Ruth Jones’ decision to use the original version of the song.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster told Metro: “Fairytale of New York is a very popular, much-loved Christmas song played widely throughout the festive season, and the lyrics are well-established with the audience.”
LGBT campaigner Peter Tatchell told The Times that the move would “send completely the wrong signal” and “give comfort to homophobes everywhere.”
He continued: “The BBC would not screen a Christmas song with the n-word in it. It would be deemed deeply prejudiced and unacceptable.
“‘So why the double standards when it comes to the f-word?”
Standard Online has contacted the BBC for further comment.
Earlier this year, BBC Solent radio presenter Alex Dyke urged fellow DJs to ban the track from their playlists, describing the song as “an offensive pile of downmarket chav bilge.”
In a now-deleted tweet Dyke wrote: “Radio, let’s ban Fairytale of New York this Christmas! ‘You’re a slut on junk, you scumbag, cheap lousy f****t - is this what we want our kids singing in the back of the car?”
Speaking on his radio show, he described it as “a nasty, nasty song” and said that Christmas songs should be “about excited children, toys, Christmas trees, snowy streets, ski lodges, reindeer, wrapping paper, Santa, family, peace on earth and love.”
The Gavin and Stacey Christmas special airs on Christmas Day at 8.30pm on BBC One.
