Dutch channel Talpa TV has pushed back the envelope of broadcasting excellence by becoming the first to broadcast a reality TV birth - albeit eight hours after the actual event.

Big Brother contestant Tanja dropped baby Joscelyn Savanna on Tuesday night in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Dutch Social Affairs Ministry, viz: no live broadcast of the event and birth in a specially-prepared private room with midwife in attendance.

Tanja, 27, was seven months' pregnant when she entered the BB house in August, the BBC reports. She's one of nine remaining hopefuls eyeing the €400,000 prize for being the last social inadequate standing when the show ends on 22 December.

Jocelyn Savanna, meanwhile, can only be filmed a few hours a day and stays in a private room where mum and relatives can visit unmolested by the cameras. Footage of the birth itself apparently focussed mainly on mum's face and the midwife doing her stuff, which is a relief.

Naturally, some have questioned whether the whole thing is just a stunt to boost ratings. Not so, said BB spokeswoman Stephanie Dekker who reckons "the scenes were not explicit, and that more graphic birth footage had been shown on educational and medical programmes".

Which, as we all know is a complete and utter load of cobblers, but it all makes for good, clean family entertainment. We look forward to BB's first live suicide with eager anticipation. ®