Fake Sheikh BBC Panorama Show Not Shown After Legal Challenge

A BBC TV show which lifts the lid on "fake sheikh" Mazher Mahmood was pulled from broadcast at the last minute when he launched a legal challenge.

The broadcaster did not screen Panorama documentary 'Fake Sheikh: Exposed,' on Monday night as planned following the late intervention.

Lawyers for the Sun on Sunday journalist raised concerns about content in the show involving one of Mahmood's high-profile stings.

Panorama editor Ceri Thomas said the pulled show was concerned with exposing Mahmood's alleged lack of journalistic integrity.

But his lawyer Justin Rushbrooke QC told the court Mahmood has a "supercharged" entitlement to privacy, similar to a government spy.

Mahmood has carved out a reputation for getting stories by disguising himself as a Arab Sheikh.

He came to prominence a decade ago, when then-England manager Sven Goran Eriksson fell for it.

Earlier this year, Mahmood was suspended by his employers at the Rupert Murdoch-owned title for his conduct in a sting on former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos, after her trial for alleged cocaine supply collapsed.

Explaining the decision to not broadcast, the BBC said: "The BBC had intended to broadcast Panorama, Fake Sheikh: Exposed tonight following the court of appeal's decision earlier today to allow the BBC to broadcast images of Mazher Mahmood.

"Shortly before transmission, Mr Mahmood's lawyers submitted new information relating to one of the cases in the programme which, as a responsible broadcaster, the BBC needs to evaluate.

"Once this has been done, we will broadcast Fake Sheikh: Exposed, including recent footage of Mr Mahmood, as planned."