Ofcom Launches Probe Into I'm A Celebrity

I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! is being investigated after a contestant's young daughter was used in one of the show's trials.

Media watchdog Ofcom has launched a probe into the stunt involving the young daughter of EastEnders star Charlie Brooks.

The actress, who was later crowned queen of the jungle, was heartbroken when she realised she had missed out on seeing Kiki, seven.

During the trial, Brooks, who plays Janine in the BBC1 soap, and darts ace Eric Bristow had to choose from various doors with treats behind them.

Brooks, 31, did not know Kiki was behind one of the doors and missed out on a reunion after picking the wrong door.

She had not seen her daughter for 18 days and later attacked the stunt as "heartbreaking".

"I signed up for this show, but Kiki didn't. I didn't want her to be so upset. I had no idea this was happening. It was my lowest point," she said.

"My mum gave the green light for her to be there because it was an opportunity for Kiki to see me - and I think she thought she would."

Viewers also complained, while campaign group Parents Outloud said: "To involve a seven-year-old is sinking to the bottom."

But a spokesman for the show said at the time that a senior producer had seen Kiki afterwards and "she was fine".

"Kiki and her grandma come to the jungle every day with the other friends and family, so the experience wasn't as out of the ordinary as it might look," the spokesman said.

Ofcom received 66 complaints about the trial.

It will investigate whether ITV took due care to protect Kiki's welfare and whether the potential for offence caused by scenes of Brooks appearing distressed following the stunt were justified by the context.

Under the broadcasting code, due care must be taken over the physical and emotional welfare of under 18s irrespective of any consent given by a parent or guardian.

They must also not be caused unnecessary distress or anxiety from their involvement in programmes.