Essex couple Victoria and Howard always wondered how their five-year-old son Nathaniel behaved when they were not around. They know now as Nathaniel is one of the stars of Channel 4 documentary series The Secret Life of 5 Year Olds, which started on Tuesday night.

“He is such a lobbes and scallywag so we thought sending him on the show would be a great way to find out what he got up to,” said his proud mum.

“We didn’t tell him what he was doing when we went to the audition. He thought we were just going for a play date.

“A few weeks later we got the call to say he had been selected. It was really exciting.”

His Chigwell-based parents, who attend Chabad Buckhurst Hill, have enjoyed watching his exploits.

“What parent doesn’t want to see their child on television?” Victoria said.

“We thought it would be a great memento for the family and some harmless fun. Every time I’ve seen an advert for the show, I’ve screamed.

“I have had messages from teachers [at his Jewish school] and all his friends are excited.”

During the programme, Nathaniel declares that "if you don’t share, God will get angry and Theresa May will get angry".

“He talks about God a lot which makes me laugh,” Victoria said.

“He is always asking questions about God, some of which are impossible to answer. He asks about the government and the Queen too.”

The Secret Life of Five Year Olds is on Channel 4 - next episode on May 15 at 8pm