Channel 4's Ukip: The First 100 Days attracts nearly 1,000 complaints

Channel 4 drama Ukip: The First 100 Days has attracted nearly 1,000 complaints, with viewers suggesting the show was politically "bias".

Ofcom said it had received 731 complaints after the programme - which showed rioting on the streets in the wake of an unexpected Ukip victory in May's general election - was broadcast last night.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage strongly criticised the programme, describing it as a "biased, partisan depiction" of his party.

Channel 4 - who received around 250 complaints - defended the drama, insisting "a lot of research" went into it to ensure it complied with broadcasting rules.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage has strongly criticised the drama. Credit: PA Wire

An Ofcom spokesperson told ITV News that it was assessing viewers' complaints that it was "bias" and presented an "unfair portrayal" of the party, before deciding whether to investigate.

The programme featured actress Priyanga Burford playing the part of the party's only Asian woman MP.

Her character's victory in Romford, Essex helps Nigel Farage achieve a landslide victory, putting him in Number 10.

But she is left torn when the ruling party decides to withdraw the UK from the EU, sparking riots between protesters for and against tough anti-immigration raids.

Farage predicted that the drama would "backfire" on Channel 4 in a post on Twitter last night.

Ukip MEP and parliamentary candidate Gerald Batten called on Ofcom to investigate whether the programme - which he described as a "piece of bile and vitriol" - had breached broadcasting regulations.

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "This rise of Ukip's electoral support is one of the biggest political phenomena in recent years and this is reflected in The First 100 Days, which used policies and statements made by the party and its members to create a fictional future where the party is in power."

"The programme was produced in accordance with the Ofcom broadcast code and its obligations to be fair, accurate and duly impartial. The election period set out in the Ofcom broadcasting code has not started."