THE man behind the controversial West End show Jerry Springer The Opera has backed Worcestershire MP Peter Luff's scathing attack on the BBC.

Leading producer Allan McKeown has launched his own withering attack on the corporation's decision to broadcast the expletive-strewn show saying it was "entirely unsuitable" for family viewing.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff expressed his anger at the BBC through the pages of the Evening News, days before the show was broadcast on BBC2.

He too claimed the BBC was irresponsible for airing a show, which is full of foul language and blasphemous scenes.

In a national newspaper yesterday Mr McKeown, who co-produced the stage show, said: "Jerry Springer was designed as a theatrical event. And what is daring and avant-garde in the theatre is entirely unsuitable for a weekend television audience."

Mr McKeown also claims the corporation flouted copyright laws by failing to get his permission for the broadcasting of the show, which attracted a record 50,000 complaints.

"I'm glad that he agrees with me," said Mr Luff.

"More and more people are coming out of the wood work who have inside knowledge of broadcasting and the play and they too agree."

Mr Luff is still waiting for a reply to his letter of complaint to BBC Director General Mark Thompson.