Living Information

EASTENDERS fans are in uproar over a pre-watershed scene which saw two gay characters kissing - but the Beeb have shrugged off criticisms.

The broadcaster received more than 150 complaints from "appalled" viewers about the scene in Tuesday's episode, in which Christian Clarke (John Partridge) and Lee Thompson (Carl Ferguson) smooched on Arthur's bench.

One viewer raged: "I had to explain to my seven-year-old son what was happening. He now thinks he is gay because he kisses his dad," while another branded the scene "the wrong example" to set children.

But the BBC insists that gay and straight relationships are treated the same on the show.

The BBC declared: "EastEnders aims to reflect real life, and this means including and telling stories about characters from many different backgrounds, faiths, religions and sexualities.

"We approach our portrayal of homosexual relationships in the same way as we do heterosexual relationships.

"In this instance, Christian is enjoying the first flush of romance and we've shown him being affectionate with his new boyfriend in the same way any couple would.

"We also aim to ensure that depictions of affection or sexuality between couples are suitable for pre-watershed viewing.

"We believe that the general tone and content of EastEnders is now widely recognised, meaning that parents can make an informed decision as to whether they want their children to watch."