BBC Un-censors The Pogues' Christmas classic

BBC Radio 1 has said it will allow the Pogues' Fairytale of New York to be played on the station uncut, after criticism of a decision to censor it.

The words "slut" and "faggot" had been dubbed out from the 20-year-old festive hit by station executives.

But after a day of criticism from listeners, the band, and the mother of singer Kirsty MacColl, they changed their minds.

Controller Andy Parfitt said the original decision was "wrong".

"Radio 1 does not play homophobic lyrics or condone bullying of any kind," he said.

"It is not always easy to get this right, mindful of our responsibility to our young audience. The unedited version will be played from now on.

"While we would never condone prejudice of any kind, we know our audiences are smart enough to distinguish between maliciousness and creative freedom. In the context of this song, I do not feel that there is any negative intent behind the use of the words, hence the reversal of the decision." ….

The BBC has censored a popular Christmas song amid fears the lyrics will upset homosexuals.

Fairytale of New York, by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl, has been re-released for the festive period and is a contender for the coveted Christmas number one slot.

It tells the story of two lovers who trade insults on Christmas Eve and one verse ends with the memorable line: "You scumbag, you maggot you cheap lousy faggot, Happy Christmas your arse I pray God It's our last."

Radio 1 bosses have bleeped out the word faggot from the song, for fear it will offend homosexuals, but have provoked the ire of one of their own leading DJs as well as listeners.

A spokesman said: "This step has been taken as this is a word that members of our audience would find offensive."

The decision was criticised as "ridiculous" by Chris Moyles, the Radio 1 DJ, who is leading a campaign to make the 1987 song the Christmas number one.

Festive music fans have given the chart a Christmas theme after sending eight classic hits back into the UK top 40.

Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You leads the seasonal favourites at number eight, up from 23 last week.

Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl is in 12th place, while Wham!'s Last Christmas is at number 23. .

UK TOP 40
8 Mariah Carey-All I Want For Christmas Is You

12 Pogues & Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale of New York

23 Wham! - Last Christmas

25 Andy Williams-It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

27 Wizzard - I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday

33 Shakin Stevens - Merry Christmas Everyone

37 Slade - Merry Christmas Everybody

38 Band Aid - Do they know it's Christmas?