Christians angered by the Jerry Springer musical broadcast

The &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/letters/2001/07/05/9326.html ' target=_blank>BBC executive behind the decision to screen Jerry Springer – The Opera last night fled his home with his young family after receiving death threats.

BBC2 controller Roly Keating, his wife and their three young children left their house after a Christian group posted his address and telephone number on its website.

They fled on Saturday morning after security experts decided the threat to kill Mr Keating was credible.

It is believed the homes of six other BBC executives were under guard last night following similar threats, reports Melbourne Herald Sun.

More than 1.7 million viewers watched Jerry Springer - The Opera on BBC Two on Saturday, despite the objections of protesters.

At least 45,000 people had contacted the BBC to complain about swearing and religious themes in the opera. Most opera broadcasts attract an audience of about 1 million viewers, a corporation spokesperson said.

In comparison Billy Connolly on BBC One attracted 4.3 million while Ultimate Force on ITV1 drew 5.2 million.