The hypnotist Derren Brown has denied claims he used an actor in his latest programme Apocalypse.

The show features a man called Steve Brosnan, who he convinces into thinking that zombies have taken over the world.

Writing on Twitter, Brown said: "Conspiracy theory flying around that Steven is an actor, cos he looks like a guy in a noodle ad. I NEVER EVER fake stunts with actors.

"Plus his whole family/friends would have to be actors too."

Conspiracy theory flying around that Steven is an actor, cos he looks like a guy in a noodle ad. I NEVER EVER fake stunts with actors Derren Brown

Brown, 41, has tweeted a link to a video featuring Brosnan and Karl Greenwood, the actor some viewers claimed had appeared in the show instead.

"I've seen the ad - that is not Steven," he insisted. "That is an actor with dark eyebrows who does look hilariously like him, but isn't."

The hypnotist also said it would have been a waste of time to fake the programme using an actor.

"We spent months setting up Steven's experience, getting his family on board and spending a vast sum of money making it as convincing as possible for him and all our efforts making sure that he experienced a real transformation.

"To fake all of that with an actor would be pointless."

The second part of Apocalypse will be shown on Channel 4 on Friday (2 November).