The BBC has responded to claims that Torchwood: Miracle Day contains "too much gay content."

Some viewers of the sci-fi Doctor Who spin-off are upset with the graphic content of the show's fourth series.

The BBC posted on its website: "We've received complaints from some viewers who feel there is too much gay content in Torchwood. We have strict editorial guidelines which govern the content of our programmes, and Torchwood is no exception."

BBC guidelines state: "In all BBC output the portrayal of sex, or the exploration of sexual issues, should be editorially justified and treated with appropriate sensitivity.

"In post-watershed content, we must be able to justify the frank and realistic portrayal of sex and the exploration of themes and issues which some people might find offensive."

The corporation explained that viewers were well aware that lead character Jack Harkness, played by John Barrowman, was "promiscuous and bi-sexual", saying: "We felt the content was justified in terms of the context and characters and would be within the expectations of regular viewers.

"We aim to depict relationships whether heterosexual or homosexual in an honest and realistic way. These scenes are not meant to cause offence."

Torchwood: Miracle Day airs on BBC1 Thursday nights at 9.00pm.

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