Watchdog clears Shattered TV show

Trainee police officer Clare Southern won the show's £97,000 prize

Channel 4's reality show Shattered did not exploit its contestants and cause unnecessary distress, broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has decided.

The series, in which contestants tried to stay awake for a week for a cash prize, attracted 34 viewer complaints.

They were concerned about the effect of sleep deprivation on participants and the premise of the show itself.

But after consulting the series' makers, Ofcom decided the show did not breach its programme code.

Programme-makers gave Ofcom medical opinions from experts who were appointed for the show, as well as the information that was given to contestants when they were selected for the series.

'Scientific insight'

Channel 4 said the advice of medical experts was "scrupulously adhered to, and the overriding objective was to ensure the wellbeing of participants", according to Ofcom's report.

The station denied allegations that sleep deprivation amounted to a form of torture, and said the show was designed to provide "a scientific insight into the physiological effects" of the condition.

"Having considered the intention behind the programme, C4's explanation of the procedures in place to protect participants and expert medical opinions, we concluded that there had been no breach of the code," Ofcom said.

The show's £97,000 prize was won by trainee police officer Clare Southern from Poole, Dorset.