10 Most Controversial British TV Films
2. Ghostwatch
At one time, this supernatural documentary-style special was one of the most complained about broadcasts in British TV history, with many a viewer outraged by having been duped by its ‘this is live’ conceit. Viewed today, Ghostwatch will strike most of us as a fun supernatural horror romp with some surprisingly effective uses of the 'found footage/documentary' stylings, and yet hardly deserving the reported one million plus calls to the BBC Switchboard it prompted.
Ostensibly a live ghost hunt, with Michael Parkinson and team in a studio setting cutting to Craig Charles and Sarah Green inside the house with the poltergeist plagued family, Ghostwatch was actually a pre-recorded scripted drama featuring these aforementioned cast members, known almost entirely for factual broadcasting.
As the supernatural goings on escalated throughout the night, the show would deliberately play with those convinced it was live, by showing the ghost in some shots then having the studio team review the footage 'live' to show it wasn't there. Consequently, the show was so complained about that it has never been rebroadcast in the UK. Plus, Parkinson gets possessed; its well worth a watch.