A controversial episode of hit TV show Family Guy aired last night entitled 'The 2,000-year-old virgin', in which Peter and his friends meet Jesus and try to help him lose his virginity.

"After running into Jesus at the Quahog Mall, Peter is stunned to discover that the Son of God is still a virgin. So, he enlists Quagmire and Cleveland to help him throw Jesus the best birthday ever by finding a way to help him become a man," the episode synopsis reads.

Creator Seth MacFarlane, a staunch atheist, regularly uses his hit animated show to poke fun at religion.

"I do not believe in God. I'm an atheist. I consider myself a critical thinker, and it fascinates me that in the 21st century most people still believe in, as George Carlin puts it, 'the invisible man living in the sky'," he has said in an interview.

"Do I have that much contempt for Christianity? I guess maybe I do...The Big Bang has got a lot of support, live with it," he added in the Family Guy Season 4 commentary.

In last night's festive episiode, Jesus is taken on speed dates and says "Who cares? I'm not even real. Merry Christmas".

Despite the programme being known for its sometimes offensive comedy, last night's offering has already caused some outrage: