BBC Radio 1 have made steps to avoid the now annual row in airing the festive hit by censoring two words that have offended some listeners in the past

BBC Radio 1 bosses have altered the lyrics to Christmas classic Fairytale of New York sang by The Pogues.

The station wanted to avoid offence in airing the festive hit this year as it includes two controversial words that have offended many people in the past.

Execs made the decision to change the word “f****t” to “haggard”, while the word “slut” is muted, reports The Sun.

A source told the publication: “The feeling is that Radio 1’s listeners are younger and may not be as familiar with this song — so it has been decided that the lyrics should be edited.”

The source added: “This Christmas, only the new version will be broadcast on Radio 1.”

But with BBC’s tweaks, the lyrics will now read “you’re cheap and you’re haggard”.