Singer Phil Collins says he was tricked into taking part

But the Chris Morris programme was actually an elaborate hoax, which poked fun at a number of celebrities and personalities.

Musician Phil Collins was among other celebrities tricked into backing an imaginary anti-paedophile pressure-group Nonce Sense - as in "Now I'm talking Nonce Sense".

ITN correspondent Nicholas Owen, television presenter Phillipa Forrester and comedian Richard Blackwood were tricked into warning viewers about a fictitious internet game that would allow paedophiles to watch children playing at home.

Victims mocked

After the programme was shown Channel 4 had to set up a special complaints line to cope with the sheer volume of calls.

Many viewers said it had mocked the victims of horrific crimes.

Despite being forced to apologise, Channel 4 said it stood by its decision to screen the programme.

It claimed the satire had raised valuable points about the sensationalism surrounding the issue of paedophilia.

Brass Eye has since been named as a contender for the title of best comedy production of last year at the annual South Bank Awards.