Radio 1 has backed down over its decision to censor the word “faggot” from Fairytale Of New York.

The BBC station decided to bleep out the term in the popular Christmas hit, by the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, so as not to offend listeners.

But tonight, following a torrent of criticism, controller Andy Parfitt announced a u-turn: "After careful consideration, I have decided that the decision to edit the Pogues song Fairytale of New York was wrong."

Parfitt said the song, a duet between Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan and the late MacColl, did not use the word with any "negative intent".

Explaining the thinking behind the original decision, he said: "Radio 1 does not play homophobic lyrics or condone bullying of any kind. 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.”

Earlier today, MacColl’s mother Jean described censoring the song, that has been re-released for Christmas, as “too ridiculous” and a spokesperson for The Pogues also criticised the decision.

They argued the word was used in context, as the song, first released 20 years ago, tells the story of a rowing couple throwing insults at one another.

The lyrics read: "You're a bum/You're a punk/You're an old slut on junk/Lying there almost dead on a drip in that bed.

"You scumbag, you maggot/You cheap lousy faggot/Happy Christmas your arse/I pray God it's our last."

However gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said Radio 1's U-turn was evidence of double standards.

"I doubt that the BBC would take the same relaxed attitude if this song included the n-word, or abusive language like 'Paki' or 'yid'," he said.

"For the sake of consistency, the f-word should be deleted.

"The BBC and other media urgently need to agree a consistent policy covering all forms of prejudiced language so that homophobic, racist, anti-Semitic and sexist words are all treated in the same way."

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