The new rules wil also apply to ITV's Trisha

An ITC spokeswoman said: "Often our licensees say they want to know where they stand with these issues and could they have some guidance, setting out good practice."

Recently Channel 4 dropped the Ricki Lake show, another imported talk show, because the network was having trouble finding programmes which were suitable for a daytime audience.

Other new rules have been laid down regarding investigative journalism, with procedures for recording telephone calls by programme makers being added.

Interviewees must now receive written confirmation about the purpose and conduct of interviews when allegations of "criminality or serious wrongdoing" are put to them.

"This is to ensure informed consent from participants in programmes which are not primarily journalistic in character, such as talk shows," the ITC said.

New rules are also introduced to ensure no undue prominence is given to commercial internet sites, whether they are those owned by a broadcaster or another organisation.

The new regulations come into force on 2 April.