Ananova:

Simpsons creator Matt Groening has revealed some of the cuts network censors have requested be made to the hit animated series.

Although the success of the show allows him to ignore most of the suggestions from studio bosses, he admits he still receives notes from them.

He said: "I think the executives don't get The Simpsons. They get the ratings but I don't think they quite understand the show."

In an on-stage conversation with Jonathan Ross at London's National Film Theatre, Groening read extracts from the censors' memos.

They include: "To discourage imitation by young and foolish viewers, when Homer begins to pour the hot wax in his mouth, please have him scream in pain so kids will understand that doing this would actually burn their mouths."

"Although it is only a dream, please do not show Homer holding a sign that reads Kill My Boy."

"When Marge worries that Bart may become jealous of newborn Lisa, Homer's previously unscripted line 'Bart can kiss my hairy yellow butt' is not acceptable; we believe this crude phrase plays as especially coarse since it is directed at a two-year-old child."

"Bart's line 'Sod off!' and Willie's rejoinder 'I'll give you something to sod off about!' are not acceptable. This phrase refers to sodomy in spite of your set-up about resodding the lawn."

"It will not be acceptable for Itchy to stab Scratchy in the guts and yank his intestine out and use it as a bungee cord."