Scared of the Dark under fire for using live rabbit in ‘traumatising’ challenge as viewers rush to complain

CHANNEL 4 has come under fire from viewers after using a live rabbit for a challenge in Scared of the Dark.

The celebrities – who are living in complete darkness for eight days – had to put their hand in a box and guess the objects.

In one box there was a white rabbit, which the stars proceeded to prod and poke while working out what it was.

Those watching the programme at home were outraged and rushed to complain.

One person wrote: “Who the hell thought it was ok to put a live rabbit in the box? They’re grabbing at that poor thing, it must be terrified. Not cool.”

A second said: “@Channel4  can’t believe the stupidity of you guys putting a rabbit in a show like this, it was clearly terrified. Pretty disgusted.”

While a third commented: “That poor rabbit must have been traumatised by that experiment !”

“Poor bunny. @Channel4, you could’ve given that rabbit a heart attack with that klaxon, screaming and mauling. Not happy,” added a fourth.

For the show Paul Gascoigne, Scarlett Moffatt, Chris Eubank, Chris McCausland, Donna Preston, Max George, Nicola Adams and Chloe Burrows must stay in total darkness for 180 hours.

Under the rules of the Channel 4 show anyone who says “I’m scared of the dark” is released.

A number of the stars have been struggling with their new living conditions, with Chloe Burrows and Donna Preston breaking down in tears already.

Chris Eubank looks set to leave in the next episode after rowing with all the other contestants and branding Gazza “tragic”.