Faking It was described as "compelling" by judges

The programme was described as "truly groundbreaking" by judges at the annual prize ceremony which honours TV shows from around the world.

Faking It led a charge of British entertainment programmes which swept the board at the industry showcase in Switzerland.

The Office created by Ricky Gervais won the best sitcom category, while The All New Harry Hill Show on ITV1 won best comedy.

It treats the reality genre with complete sympathy for the participants and combines great storytelling with compelling drama and emotions Andy Bird, Montreux jury chairman

Channel 4 show Derren Brown - Mind Control won the variety section.

Digital channel E4's Your Face Or Mine landed the best game show award.

Faking It, created by RDF Media for Channel 4, received the press prize as well as the Golden Rose.

In the show, members of the public are challenged to take on demanding jobs for which they have no previous skills or training.

The Office was singled out for praise by judges

Quality

With the help of experts, they are seen to excel in their chosen field within a few weeks.

Last year the programme won a Bafta for best feature on TV.

Andy Bird, who chaired the grand jury at Montreux, praised the quality of Faking It.

He said: "It treats the reality genre with complete sympathy for the participants and combines great storytelling with compelling drama and emotions."

The jury also spoke highly of Ricky Gervais's The Office series, saying it had taken sitcoms to "the next level".