Small-boat migrants who 'ambushed' a Reform representative on an episode of Question Time had been coached by activists at the request of the BBC, it was claimed yesterday.

Pro-migration charity Imix was enlisted by the broadcaster to find migrants living in Britain to feature on the Immigration Special debate held in Dover in December.

The men – one from Afghanistan and the other from Iran – challenged Reform's Zia Yusuf on his party's approach to immigration. 

Alireza, from Iran, read from a prepared statement, while Ashraf explained that he came to Britain because his homeland is not safe.

Also among the audience was the charity's chief executive Jenni Regan, who was picked to ask a question and then warned against reducing immigration levels.

Their presence has resulted in allegations of bias within the BBC over immigration. 

After the show, Mr Yusuf, now Reform's home affairs spokesman, accused the BBC of an 'ambush' while more than 1,000 viewers complained about the broadcast.

A Reform spokesman said: 'It is no surprise that the Question Time Immigration Special sparked so many complaints. The programme represented a clear failure of impartiality, editorial judgment and audience selection by the BBC.'

They added: 'We are seeing an increasingly blatant pattern of bias and prejudice from the taxpayer-funded broadcaster. 

'The question remains as to why did the BBC think it appropriate to give a national platform to men who entered Britain illegally, allowing them to lecture the British public and attempt to manipulate opinion on the immigration crisis?'

But the BBC last night defended its decision to place the migrants and charity boss in the audience.

A spokesman said: 'It is common practice across the media industry to engage with charities, among others, for research purposes and to help understand different perspectives. 

'However, the BBC has strict guidelines to ensure impartiality and editorial independence.'

Since arriving in Britain the two men have successfully claimed asylum and now work here, living with their families, said Imix, which describes itself as 'telling the human side of the migration story'.

The charity accepted they helped the men prepare for the show, but insisted that they spoke of their own free will, adding: 'We helped identify two people who wished to take part, and supported them beforehand so they felt informed and prepared.

'We do not tell anyone what to say or what views to hold... the decisions about the programme and its audience were the BBC's.'

Nearly 10,000 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, with 710 arriving on Monday alone.