Actor David Tennant, otherwise known as Dr Who, is to front a new children’s TV programme that will warn kids about the dangers of the internet.

The programme is called ‘Caught in the Web’ and follows the story of how a young girl called Charlotte falls prey to an online paedophile she meets in a chat room. Although the show is designed to be entertaining, it is based on real life experiences that TV chiefs hope children will take on board.

The show will also touch on current themes such as cyberbullying and computer game addiction.

Caught in the Web was developed by the producers of CBBC’s Newsround, who hope that involving superstar actor David Tennant will make children take notice. A BBC source said: “The internet can be a dangerous place for children, as our real-life stories show. The programme demonstrates how a few simple precautions can make all the difference.”

Worrying figures show 35 % of children now access the internet from their bedrooms out of sight of their parents – double the number two years ago. Media watchdog Ofcom also found 60 % of 12 to 15-year-olds use the internet without any parental supervision as well as one in five under seven.

Caught in the Web will begin on Tuesday 9th Feb on BBC One at 4.55pm, repeated on the CBBC Channel at 6.35pm. A special extended edition will be shown on BBC Two on Thursday at 11am.

To view a trailer for the programme click here.