Moyles's birthday jibe at 'dress-wearing' Will Young was homophobic, says Ofcom

CHRIS MOYLES has been reprimanded by media watchdog Ofcom after mocking Will Young for being gay.

The regulator said that the 35-year-old Radio One host, who has faced accusations of homophobia throughout his career, breached broadcasting rules when he imitated Young on his breakfast show in January.

During the show, Moyles announced that it was the singer's birthday before playing alternative versions of the star's songs Evergreen and Leave Right Now. To Evergreen, Moyles broadcast the lyrics: "It's my birthday, gonna wear my new dress tonight. And I smell nice. I've had a shower and I've shaved my legs. Going out later, might go to Nob-oooh for dinner."

In its ruling, Ofcom stated Moyles's language "could have reasonably been interpreted by listeners as promoting and condoning certain negative stereotypes based on sexual orientation".

A BBC spokesman said Moyles's comments were "unacceptable", adding: "We spoke to Chris and his team to make that clear."