Radio 1 reverses 'Fairytale' lyric ban

BBC Radio 1 is to play the Pogues' 'Fairytale of New York' uncensored after coming under fire for cutting the word "faggot".

Controller Andy Parfitt announced the u-turn after a day of criticism from listeners, the Pogues and the mother of Kirsty MacColl, who sang on the Christmas hit.

"Radio 1 does not play homophobic lyrics or condone bullying of any kind," he explained on Tuesday evening. "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."

Earlier in the day Parfitt said the track was deemed potentially offensive and cut as part of a review of catalogue songs. In its intended form McColl sings "you scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot".

The word "slut" was also cut from a line sung by Shane MacGowan in which he calls MacColl "an old slut on junk". It will also now be restored.

However, gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell backed the original decision: "The word faggot is being sung as an insult, alongside scumbag and maggot. In this abusive context it is unacceptable."