Cilla Black's new prime-time show The Moment of Truth is to come under fire from a Bradford businessman on TV tomorrow.

Carl Gresham will be appearing on Channel 4's Right to Reply to tell bosses the show exploits children.

Mr Gresham, of The Carl Gresham Group which supplies theatrical props, said children could be left "shattered" if their parents failed to meet the challenge set by Cilla and did not win the prizes promised.

In the show, families are given a week to perfect a skill which they must perform before a studio audience to win prizes - such as holidays, pony riding lessons or a child's drum kit.

Mr Gresham said: "The show is grossly unfair to children. If the parents don't win, they don't get the prize.

"There is a really long build-up where the family makes a video diary so by the time they get on the show their expectations are going to be sky high."

Mr Gresham, who is single with no children of his own, said he felt some people might watch the programme with a sick fascination to witness the reactions of children if they lost.

He said: "I have a lot of respect for Cilla Black. I think she's marvellous, but she's been misguided into presenting this awful show. The programme should not be allowed to continue."

Right to Reply producer Ian Jolly said Mr Gresham would be shown presenting his own film where he discusses The Moment of Truth with a child psychologist.

TV pundit Charlie Catchpole will also be telling viewers his views on the show.

Mr Jolly said: "The programme is based on a Japanese show and though it's good-natured it has a cruel element."

Chris O'Dell, the show's producer, said: "As with any game show, there will inevitably be some losers."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.