BBC's John Sweeney 'lost it'

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BBC reporter John Sweeney has admitted he turned into “an exploding tomato” when he “lost it” with a top Scientologist during the making of a TV documentary to be shown tonight.

Angry leaders of the church – whose disciples include Tom Cruise and John Travolta - are trying to get the Panorama programme about their faith scrapped amid claims of "gross bias".

Sweeney and his team spent six months investigating whether the Church of Scientology has moved away from its past as a brainwashing cult.

But furious church members say the programme should be ditched because Sweeney showed his true feelings by losing his temper and shouting at their representative.

The clash came after the man accused Sweeney of giving "an easy interview" to a critic of the religion. He screamed: "You were not there. You did not hear or record all the interview."

Now Scientologists have sent 100,000 copies of film of the incident to MPs, civil servants and business leaders, as well as posting it on the YouTube website.

And Travolta has written to BBC executives, accusing Sweeney of "personal prejudices, bigotry and animosity".

Today on the BBC's website Sweeney apologised and admitted he looked like an "exploding tomato" during the row.

Asked about the YouTube he added: "Scientology has fought many battles to keep its secrets off the web, now they are using it to attack my investigation into them. “

The documentary also exposes apparent links between Scientology leaders and City of London police officers.

But the broadcaster insist the programme will go ahead. Sweeney, who has not been disciplined, claimed he became distressed after being subjected to harassment and intimidation.

The programme shows City of London Chief Superintendent Ken Stewart praising the organisation, which supplied hospitality worth £11,000 to the force. Policemen attended scientology dinners and the premiere of Cruise's film Mission Impossible 3.

Gallery: 24 hours in pictures - John Sweeney loses it, Pete Doherty paints in blood and more