Bid to deny Gavin & Stacey prize... over ‘anti-gay’ song
IT WAS by far the most-watched TV show of last year and won widespread critical acclaim.
But Gavin & Stacey could be denied a major broadcasting award after judges were warned that it was homophobic and ‘problematic’.
The BBC1 show, which has been seen by more than 17million people, has made the longlist for best comedy at the Broadcasting Press Guild awards, against the wishes of a panel of reviewers who normally draw up the suggestions.
And industry insiders who vote for the nominees have been told they might want to bear that in mind.
Guild chairman Jake Kanter told voters: ‘Our critics committee felt strongly that the show should not be included, raising serious concerns about its quality and its decision to feature an uncensored homophobic lyric from The Pogues’ song Fairytale Of New York.’
However, that panel was overruled by an executive committee, despite acknowledging the scene was ‘problematic’. Voters were told they ‘may wish to consider this debate when voting’.
In the Christmas Day show, Nessa, played by co-writer Ruth Jones, and Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon), sing a karaoke version of the song including the line: ‘You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot.’
Gay rights campaigners say the word is offensive and urged the BBC to bleep it out, but others insist the term is just Irish slang for a lazy person. One viewer wrote: ‘It’s part of the song. They weren’t calling anyone it directly. As a gay man, I think people need to get a grip.’
Steve Bennett, of comedy website Chortle, also defended the show. ‘Context is everything and there’s clearly not a shred of hatred in that scene,’ he said. ‘And last year the Guild gave several awards to Killing Eve, about a psychopathic serial killer, and there was no debate about her morals.’
Also on the longlist are Fleabag, Mum, and This Time With Alan Partridge.