Ruth Jones and the BBC defend Gavin and Stacey stars singing homophobic slur ‘f*****’ in Fairytale of New York
RUTH Jones has defended the use of the word "faggot" in the upcoming Christmas special of Gavin and Stacey.
The actress said she and co-star James Corden decided to remain "true to the characters" in the highly-anticipated new episode.
The festive special sees her character, Nessa, and Uncle Bryn (played by Rob Brydon), sing a rendition of The Pogues’ Fairytale Of New York.
In the popular song by Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl, the lyrics include: "You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot."
Gay rights campaigners said the word was "pejorative" to the LGBT community and that the BBC should bleep it out.
However, when asked if she and co-writer James had considered a backlash, Ruth said: "It is a different climate. But we have to remain true to the characters, to who they were.
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"Characters in Gavin & Stacey are kind and big-hearted, I believe. So I think no one is going to be intentionally hurtful.
"But by the same token, they’re not necessarily going to be completely politically correct or be aware of political correctness," she added.
The BBC also argued that the song is played on national and regional radio throughout the Christmas period.
A spokesperson said: "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."
Shane, who celebrates his 62nd birthday on Christmas Day, spoke about the backlash last year and said he had "not intended to offend" with his lyrics and added: "Not all characters in songs and stories are angels."