BBC criticised for casting porn star in Madeleine McCann Crimewatch reconstruction

Mark Sloan was cast as one of the McCanns' friends who the couple dined with on the night their daughter Madeleine disappeared

Former porn star Mark Sloan (left) was cast in the BBC's Crimewatch reconstruction of Madeleine McCann's disappearance (BBC)

The BBC has faced criticism for casting a porn star in the Crimewatch reconstruction of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.

Mark Sloan, who has starred in a number of X-rated films including Tight Rider and Sherlock Bones, was cast as one of the friends who dined with Kate and Gerry McCann on the night Madeleine went missing.

Sloan, 44, who has taken part in previous Crimewatch reconstructions, said that working in the porn industry had helped to improve his acting.

On his website, he claims to be a former sniper in the British Army who carried out two tours of Northern Ireland during The Troubles in the 1980s.

He also lists appearances in films for Playboy TV and TVX.

The Crimewatch show, which attracted a record audience of 6.7 million, revealed new evidence uncovered by Scotland Yard in relation to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Praia Da Luz, Portugal, six years ago.

A spokesman for Mothers Against Murder and Aggression told The Mirror: “We are surprised that the BBC employed the services of someone who has openly worked in the sex industry for something as sensitive as this reconstruction.

“Anybody working with families who have been affected by crime types as serious as this should ensure that nothing they do adds to the families’ distress.”

Vivienne Pattison, of family values group Mediawatch, added: “This was not the most appropriate of castings.”

A spokesman for the McCann family said: “This is a matter for the BBC and their production values. We do not wish to comment.”

The BBC declined to comment.