Phixx in fix over stunt

The BBC has been forced to apologise over a band's publicity stunt involving sexual bondage on Top of the Pops.

TV watchdog Ofcom yesterday described Phixx's routine as 'unsuitable' for a show watched by a large number of children.

The boy band, which was formed by the losers of the reality show Popstars: The Rivals, pretended to hit each other, pull hair and fasten chains around torsos and necks.

Music industry insiders condemned the antics on the primetime BBC1 show as publicity-seeking, while children's groups and parents said the stunt could be imitated by youngsters, leading to accidental strangulation.

Last night Michele Elliott, of the charity Kidscape, said: 'This goes beyond bad taste, it is nasty and violent and a dangerous image to show children.

'If you have talent you don't need violence and nastiness.'

Phixx's debut single, Hold on Me, barely scraped into the Top 10.

The BBC apologised for broadcasting the routine on the Friday night show, which attracts up to 5.5million viewers, including a large number of children. It said the producer concerned no longer worked on the show.

In its response to Ofcom the BBC said: 'While most dance is expressive of sexuality to some extent, this routine was unsuitable for an audience which typically includes a high proportion of children and young teenagers.'

Nine viewers complained about the sexual and violent overtones of Phixx's performance, which was broadcast in November.