BBC drops 'digital face' trails

Some viewers complained about the ad to the BBC's Points of View

A promotional trailer for digital TV - which some viewers complained was "horrific" and "disturbingly psychotic" - has been dropped by the BBC.

The Faces campaign, which featured a giant animated head made up of smaller heads, generated 1,300 complaints.

The BBC had defended the images, saying they represented the viewers who are able to watch digital TV.

A spokesman for the BBC said the trailer had "finished slightly early", after it "achieved its goal".

Offensive

He added that the BBC would now concentrate on trailing their Christmas schedule.

In a statement, the BBC said: "The digital faces trail was one of a very long series designed to capture the attention of viewers and stimulate interest in the BBC's digital services.

"The latest, which was first transmitted on 5 November, has been very successful in this respect and early indications are that it has achieved its goal."

"We have been very conscious that some viewers disliked the nature of the trail, although clearly it was not our intention to offend.

"Given that we feel the trail has achieved its aims, we feel that we can now conclude the campaign and use the air-time to let viewers know about the fantastic Christmas in store for them on the BBC."