EALING Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq is challenging Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries over her claim that actors played poverty-stricken people on the former South Acton estate in a TV documentary.

The production company behind the show, in which Ms Dorries starred, denied her claim.

The Culture Secretary was speaking at a session of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, on which Rupa Huq sits.

Tower Block of Commons was produced by Love Productions and broadcast in 2010.

The show featured four MPs, including Ms Dorries, spending time living on deprived housing estates around Britain

A company spokesperson said: “Nadine Dorries took part in the [show] for Channel 4, alongside other genuine contributors, and we are confident her claims are unfounded.  

“Nevertheless, we take the allegations seriously and will investigate thoroughly.”

Ms Huq has called on the Culture Secretary to provide evidence that actors were used during filming.

Channel 4 says it is ready to investigate any evidence which Ms Dorries is able to provide.