BBC ‘bombarded with more than 100 complaints’ after teenage lesbian kiss in CBBC drama The Next Step

CBBC drama The Next Step reportedly sparked more than 100 viewer complaints after a same-sex kiss scene.

The romantic lesbian scene between actresses Molly Saunders, 18, and Dani Verayo, 19, aired on July 22.

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Molly's character Jude was seen pulling Cleo close as they enjoyed a smooch in the studio.

And the BBC confirmed in a statement online: "We have received complaints about a storyline involving a same-sex kiss."

The broadcaster confirmed to The Sun Online today in order to publish a statement on the complaints site, a minimum of 100 gripes must have been received.

Therefore they then told there were "at least 100" messages of annoyance over the romantic scene.

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The BBC statement added: "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."

"We believe that the storyline, and the kiss, was handled with sensitivity and without sensationalism, following as it did the portrayal of Jude and 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."

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LGBT charity Stonewall called the scene "important", but some viewers clearly did not agree and have made their complaints.

The charity's head of policy Eloise Stonborough told Metro.co.uk: "Jude and Cleo’s kiss on CBBC’s teen drama, The Next Step is an exciting moment for LGBT representation.

"It’s important for everyone to be able to see themselves in mainstream media and to know they have a place in society."

When the show initially aired, one viewer of the Canadian series said: “This is progress.

"It will show people that it is just as normal as liking the different gender.”

Brookside in 1994, with Anna Friel and Nicola Stephenson, showed the first lesbian pre-watershed kiss.