Dick and Dom's Hoopla!: BBC children's TV eating challenge investigated - Telegraph.co.uk

The female competitor, who has not been identified, was later seen retching into a bucket.

Ofcom confirmed it was investigating the programme, which screened on Nov 2, for potential breaches of "generally accepted standards", following a complaint.

It will also investigate whether the show complied with the programme code, which ensures broadcasters maintain the "physical and emotional welfare and the dignity of people under 18 who take part".

Broadcasters must also ensure that under-18s are not caused "unnecessary distress or anxiety" during any involvement in programmes.

The public broadcaster's obligation is "irrespective of any consent given by the participant or by a parent, guardian or other person over the age of eighteen in loco parentis".

Ofcom is also investigating the show to see whether the competition may have breached rules relating to "generally accepted content standards".

Under this rule, officials will investigate whether the show may have caused offence on grounds including distress, humiliation and violation of human dignity.

The show describes itself as a "madcap circus full of games, rides, tents of mystery and plenty of celebrity guests".

The duo's Bafta award-winning show, Dick and Dom in da Bungalow, was reprimanded by Ofcom in 2004 after Wood wore a sexual innuendo-laden T-shirt.

Earlier this year a similar investigation was launched into The X Factor the horrified teenage children of Alison Brunton, a contestant, were shown after her bad rendition of Lady Gaga's hit The Edge of Glory.

A BBC spokesman declined to comment last night.