Scenes were faked for BBC daytime shows

media The BBC Trust ruled yesterday that there had been "serious and repeated" breaches of editorial guidelines in a number of its daytime shows, including faked scenes.

Independent production company Reef Television must now pay compensation to the BBC, which was unaware of the deceit, and an on-air apology is to be broadcast.

BBC1 series such as Sun, Sea And Bargain Spotting and Trash For Cash were among those found to have misled viewers. The programmes featured production staff passed off as members of the public while buying items and re-staging events for the cameras. Staff also bought items which affected on-screen challenges.

Reef has been suspended from working for the BBC since the incidents came to light in the summer.