BBC now has to defend Holby City gay kiss

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The BBC has has to defend a gay kiss on Holby City, just a week after more than 100 viewers complained about a gay scene in EastEnders.

Viewers complained that a kiss between Dan Hamilton (Adam Astill) and Antoine Malick (Jimmy Akingbola) was “inappropriate”.

The BBC has not said how many complaints were received.

In a statement, the corporation said: “Holby City aims to reflect real life in the setting of a medical drama and this means telling stories about characters from many different backgrounds, faiths, religions and sexualities.

“We approach our portrayal of same-sex relationships in the same way as we do heterosexual relationships and aim to ensure depictions of affection or sexuality between couples are suitable for pre-watershed viewing.”

On the Holby City plot, it added: “This is a story we will continue to tell with sensitivity and integrity as we follow a character who struggles to come to terms with his sexuality.”

The BBC received 125 complaints over a recent EastEnders episode which showed gay characters Christian Clarke and Syed Massood cuddling in bed.

One viewer complained that it could “confuse” children.