The BBC’s newest reality Tv show, The Baby Borrowers has been heavily criticised by child protection charity Kidscape as taking reality TV a step too far.

The eight part series puts teenagers on the spot by allowing them to take full responsibility for the welfare of a child. It is reported that one child was left without food for a full day, while another had to be removed from its teenage carers.

Dr Michele Elliot, founder and director of Kidscape, said: “It’s sick to think that the BBC would commission such a show. Is this really what they should be spending licence payers’ money on?

“I’m also appalled that the parents let their children be used in this way. Someone’s got to make a stand and say this is a reality show too far.”

A BBC spokesman responded to the criticism, saying: “The safety of children is of paramount importance. Hence, extraordinary steps were taken, including psychological screening, criminal record checks, the use of 24/7 CCTV cameras and employing only trained childcare professionals.”