The reality TV show Temptation Island, branded immoral, sadistic and a cynical attempt to cash in on emotional trauma when it was screened in the US, is to be made for Britain.

Sky One and Channel 4 have linked up to broadcast a programme that tempts committed, but unmarried, couples to be unfaithful.

The plot will see four couples marooned on a tropical island with 26 beachwear-clad singletons. In the US the six week series had on average 17m viewers per episode.

It is believed that Sky One will screen the series first, and Channel 4 the repeats. Reports of the deal circulated at the MipTV festival in Cannes.