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BBC Defends Decision To Broadcast Same-Sex Teenage Kiss On CBBC Show

BBC Defends Decision To Broadcast Same-Sex Teenage Kiss On CBBC Show

The scene on The Next Step has received complaints since it aired last month

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The BBC has defended the decision to show a same-sex kiss between two teenagers on a CBBC show called The Next Step.

The scene, which shows a kiss between two characters called Jude and Cleo, received complaints after it aired last month.

In the Canadian show, the two characters were performing a dance routine before sharing a kiss at the end, the whole thing is part of a wider storyline about the pair developing a relationship together.

Many praised the show for tackling a tough, but very real, issue. However, others have been left angry, for reasons known only to themselves.

The BBC have defended their choice to show the program, saying that they have dealt with the whole thing - and subsequent fallout - factually and appropriately.

BBC/Boatrocker

Writing on their website, the BBC said: "We have received complaints about a storyline involving a same-sex kiss.

"The decision to include this moment, as part of a longer storyline throughout series 7 which has been tracking the development of a romantic relationship between two of the characters, Jude and Cleo, was taken very carefully and with much consideration, and came about after CBBC and Boatrocker (the production company who make the show) acknowledged that the series could and should do more to reflect the lives of LGBTQ+ young people.

"This is an important part of our mission to make sure that every child feels like they belong, that they are safe, and that they can be who they want to be."

BBC/Boatrocker

The statement continued: "We believe that the storyline, and the kiss, was handled with sensitivity and without sensationalism, following as it did the portrayal of Jude & Cleo's developing relationship and I'm afraid we do not agree that it was inappropriate for the audience age - CBBC regularly portrays heterosexual young people dating, falling in love, and kissing, and it is an important way of showing children what respectful, kind and loving relationships look like.

"At Children's BBC, we are proud to reflect all areas of children's lives across our factual and fictional output.

"Same-sex relationships have already featured in other CBBC shows such as Jamie Johnson, 4 O Clock Club, Dixie and Marrying Mum and Dad, and (contrary to what was reported in the press about The Next Step) the first same-sex kiss on CBBC was in fact in Byker Grove, many years ago.

"This moment in The Next Step is merely one story among a myriad of voices and experiences across our output."

Featured Image Credit: BBC/Boatrocker

Topics: TV and Film, UK Entertainment, Weird