BBC investigates Kiwi's alleged fakery

The BBC has suspended all business with an independent television company while investigating claims that a New Zealand cameraman faked footage.

Craig Harman allegedly posed as a member of the public on BBC2 auction programme Sun, Sea and Bargain Spotting, the broadcastnow.co.uk news website reported.

The episode under investigation was originally shown last July but repeated on August 19.

In the show, two competitors go bargain-hunting for antiques in France and then try to make a profit on a market stall in London.

While trying to sell an "acrylic panel", Harman walked up and offered €25 ($60) for the item.

The series has been taken off air and the programme maker, Reef TV, has been ordered to stop production on a new series of BBC2's Trash to Cash.

A BBC spokesman said: "The BBC is extremely disappointed that Reef Television's production practices have misled the audience and us. We take this matter seriously and have suspended all business with them ... while we investigate."

Reef Television said it had launched its own inquiry.

- NZPA