'Blue Peter' apologises over 'fake' competition win

The BBC has issued an apology after it was revealed that the results of a competition on children's programme 'Blue Peter' were faked.

The BBC confirmed that a viewer contacted it last week who raised questions about a competition on the show on November 27 last year. The viewer alleged that a child who was visiting the studio was asked to pose as a caller and call into the studio.

Richard Deverell, BBC Children's Controller, commissioned an initial report into the competition following the complaint.

The competition, which was in aid of Unicef, was run during a live programme in order to raise money for the Blue Peter Appeal.

Viewers entered the competition by calling a premium rate number, which cost 10p for the call, with 3.25 pence for the call going to Unicef, while the BBC did not profit from the calls. The winner was able to select a prize from a list of children's toys.

The report discovered that there was a technical failure during the show, which meant that calls were not getting through to the studio, resulting in a child who was visiting the studio being asked to phone the programme and answer a question, thus being awarded the prize.

Mr Deverell said: "I would like to apologise unequivocally to viewers, to all the children who took part in the competition, and we have already apologised directly to the child involved and her family for this incident. Part of our commitment to a relationship on trust requires us to disclose this error and try to put it right, which we are now doing. It is very important that 'Blue Peter' takes action to do this, and to ensure that lessons are learned."

Richard Marson, editor of 'Blue Peter', said: "This edition of the programme fell short of the high standards 'Blue Peter' viewers quite rightly expect. We are absolutely committed to running competitions that are fair to all entrants and we are very sorry for the way this competition was conducted."

'Blue Peter' will broadcast an apology to viewers on Wednesday's edition of the show and a winner for the competition will be randomly selected from competition entrants from November 27, under the supervision of an independent solicitor to verify the process to premium phoneline regulator Icstis.

The BBC said that a review of the process for conducting live competitions on CBBC television and editorial control in live studios is underway and also said that there would be intensive staff training on these issues.

Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision also announced a senior level independent review of the circumstances of this competition and the actions arising from it, which will be conducted by Andrea Willis, a former Chief Advisor of BBC Editorial Policy.

Viewers who took part in the competition and require more information or have any concerns are asked to contact: 08000 565 363 or find further information on www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc following the broadcast of Wednesday's edition of 'Blue Peter'.

(KMcA/SP)