'Midsomer' nude scenes broadcast at 4pm

ITV has defended its decision to broadcast nude scenes before the watershed.

According to The Sun, a repeat of Midsomer Murders shown at 4pm featured a naked woman posing for a painter.

However, the channel insisted that the scenes had been edited to make them suitable for the afternoon.

"The scene in question featured an artist's model and was key to the storyline," a spokesperson said. "Careful consideration was given to its inclusion for daytime transmission and it was edited accordingly to ensure that the programme did not contain any inappropriate content."

The representative added: "ITV has received no complaints regarding this episode."

In 2008, Ofcom reprimanded ITV for broadcasting an episode of Midsomer Murders during the afternoon because of the violent scenes it contained.