Gordon and Jamie can keep swearing says C4 boss

THE head of Channel 4 today said he would not "rein in" celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver over their use of the F word.

Julian Bellamy, who is responsible for the broadcaster's TV output, said the channel had struck the right balance over the use of "fruity language".

Speaking at the launch of Channel 4's winter season of programmes, Mr Bellamy said: "You always have to strike a careful balance to allow people to express themselves naturally but without doing it in a gratuitous way.

"I think most people see we get that balance right with Jamie and Gordon.

"I understand why people feel strongly about it, but when both of them use fruity language it's a real and authentic expression of how they feel at the time."

Mr Bellamy also gave his views on the furore over obscene messages left by Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand on the phone of actor Andrew Sachs.

"You must not let occasional misjudgments tip us into a new era of cultural conservatism and censorship," he said. "I hope it doesn't lead to a collective loss of confidence.

"I am concerned about the issue because it underscores the value of Channel 4, which is a champion for pushing the boundaries."

Mr Bellamy's comments came after ITV chief Michael Grade called for less swearing on television and was backed by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham.

Oliver, who will be back on Channel 4 in the New Year, was singled out for criticism over the use of the F word in one of his shows. Mr Bellamy said today: "We are not reining Jamie back. When he swears it reflects his passion and determination to change things."

In Jamie Saves Our Bacon, Oliver will examine why pig farmers are going out of business.

It is one of a series of campaigning food programmes fronted by celebrity chefs.

In Gordon's Great British Nightmare, Ramsay will try to persuade the public to use local restaurants.

In Big Chef, Little Chef, Heston Blumenthal will attempt to turn around the ailing roadside café chain.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will, meanwhile, try to use his new position as a Tesco shareholder to get the supermarket to stock more free-range chicken.

The broadcaster, which has a £150million budget shortfall, is spending £25million less next year on TV output than on the previous year.

Mr Bellamy said budget restraints prevented the channel from commissioning as many dramas as previously.

He also confirmed the return of Celebrity Big Brother in January, after it was "rested" following the race row involving Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.

Mr Bellamy said: "Celebrity Big Brother is a brilliant programme. I adore it and it's an extraordinarily powerful show. We rested it last year for several reasons and that has creatively rejuvenated it."

The season will also feature a series exploring alternative views on Christianity presented by personalities including Michael Portillo, Ann Widdecombe, Rageh Omaar and Cherie Blair.

The eight hour-long programmes were described by the broadcaster as the most ambitious religious programming commission in its history.