Big Brother: Format has been used in 27 countries

The CSA also told M6 that it must not show anything which "could undermine the respect of human dignity" or goes against laws prohibiting excessive consumption of cigarettes or alcohol on air.

The contestants, who are filmed by cameras 24 hours a day, must stay in their loft apartment home until they are voted out by a combination of games, such as karaoke, and a viewers' poll.

Only two people - a couple - will remain, because Loft Story, unlike some of its forerunners, is a love story.

Criticism

The toilets are the only area into which viewers are not allowed to pry.

The show has attracted criticism from academics and media since its launch at the end of April.

One leading TV presenter has called it "lowest common denominator television", while a group called Smile You're On TV has told viewers to place rubbish bins outside M6 offices.

But it has been a hit with viewers. About 30% of the available audience tuned in to watch the first show, and the website is getting more than one million hits per day.

Loft Story is the French version of the popular Big Brother shows, which began in Holland and have been made in 27 countries.

The format spawned a number of reality TV copycat shows including Survivor and Temptation Island.