The BBC has been forced to admit that the appearance of a monster in the last series of cult TV programme Doctor Who was faked.

The last episode of the series featured a scene in which a terrified Doctor confronts a being from the planet "Tektatron IV". The producers of the show have since admitted that the monster was actually a clever composite of latex and special effects.

The admission is just the latest scandal to hit the BBC in recent months, following a series of investigations into misrepresentation by broadcasters.

Viewers have flooded the BBC website expressing their indignation. "This is totally dishonest of the BBC", said one Angus McBride of Glasgow, "we were tricked into being scared under false pretences".

The BBC has issued an immediate apology and has said that a special statement will be read out by the Doctor before the next episode airs.