Springer sympathises with Christians

Jerry Springer says a musical based on his show is offensive to Christians and he would not have written it himself.

The US talk show host said he understood why thousands of Christians had protested about Jerry Springer: The Opera when it was screened by the BBC. The musical, a parody of his show, was written by comedians Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas.

"I wouldn't have written it," Springer said. "I don't believe in making fun of other religions."

The opera provoked 50,000 complaints when it screened this month. Christian groups said a nappy-wearing Jesus admitting he was "a bit gay" was blasphemous.