Channel 4 in nude controversy

A show broadcasted at lunchtime saw a nakedÂ…

11:23 09 July 2009

Channel 4 received complaints over a life drawing programme which featured a nude model broadcasted in a lunchtime slot.

A studio audience and viewers were encouraged to draw the naked woman by artist Gary Hume.

Channel 4 insisted that the 12.30pm programme 'Life Class: Today's Nude' was not sensational in any way and was purely educational.

Dozens of viewers complained to the channel claiming they saw too much of fashion model Kirsten Varley at 12.30pm yesterday.

One viewer, Punteha Yazdanian, 23, said: "I was disgusted by the sight of Kirsten flaunting her charms in a very suggestive way. This was adult viewing - not for screening in the middle of the day."

Other viewers argued that complete nudity should only be shown after the 9 o'clock watershed in the evening.

The channel is showing five life-drawing classes throughout the week - each with a different model and tutor to inform viewers about art and drawing techniques as if they were in a real-life art class.

Alan Kane, the artist who developed the idea for the programme, said: "Because it is educational and non-sexualised nudity, Channel 4 didn't have any concerns with it at all."

A spokesman for Ofcom said: "We have received a small number of complaints which are being assessed against the broadcasting code."

Section 1.18 of Ofcom's Broadcasting Code says: "Nudity before the watershed must be justified by the context."