Gerry Cottle has publicly criticised Sky One programme Cirque de Celebrite, branding it a “disgrace� and warning that it made his industry look “cheap�.

The producer, who made his name as the owner of Britain’s leading circus before running both the Moscow and Chinese State Circus, said: “Cirque de Celebrite looks cheap and it has made the industry look cheap beyond belief. It seems when it comes to the tasks, they see what the celebrities can do and then pick the worst ones to perform for the television programme. They should be working to their strengths rather than making fools out of them and trying to get cheap laughs.�

A spokesperson for Sky One dismissed Cottle’s criticism, saying: “We are very happy with the show and so are the public as the show has been a ratings hit for the channel. A decision was taken to align the series with contemporary, rather then traditional circus.�

He added that five trainers were used and it is emphasised that the celebrities lack the breadth of training that a professional circus performer would undergo.