C4 doc plans to crucify human corpse

A Channel 4 documentary is to show a human corpse hung on a cross to depict the crucifiction of Christ.

Anatomist Gunther von Hagens plans to return to television with the programme on the method of execution's gruesome effects.

Called Crucifixion, the 90-minute show will be broadcast on More4 although filming has not yet begun.

It's proposal has already provoked anger from Christians, however. Steve Jenkins, speaking for the Church of England, said: "This will upset and offend a lot of Christians as it seems he is using the Crucifixion simply to grab attention."

Channel 4 has argued that the body which will be used is not specifically intended to be Jesus. "This is a science documentary, a history documentary on the anatomy after crucifixion," said a spokesman. "It will not be a specific representation of Christ."

Firefly, the production company making it, however, has said otherwise. In a memo leaked to the Evening Standard the ideas was labelled "a 90-minute film for More4 in which Gunther plastinates 'Jesus'".