BBC Radio 1 will not be playing the original version of Fairytale of New York as it contains the word ‘faggot’. The song by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl is a festive favorite and is often cited as one of the best Christmas songs in history.
But the homophobic slur has long upset some LGBT+ people and their allies. And now Radio 1 will play an edited version with MacColl singing alternative lyrics.
Bizarrely, however, the BBC has compromised and is not banning the song outright. DJs on BBC Radio 2 will play the original version and those on 6 Music will be able to choose between the edited and original option.
A BBC spokesman said: ‘We know the song is considered a Christmas classic and we will continue to play it this year, with our radio