Featuring self-confessed paedophile Eddie, 39, the documentary was a fascinating insight into the marginalised world of people who are sexually attracted to children.
Eddie, who says he has never actually acted on his paedophilic urges, ‘came out’ on the startling documentary, telling viewers that he wants help to supress his sick desires.
He added that he doesn’t want to hurt children, and he knows the way he thinks it wrong.
And while many viewers commended Eddie for his bravery; risking his life to admit something so shameful on national television, others were not so sympathetic.
Aaron Carty tweeted: ‘We need to understand those that are attracted to children to reduce the risk of offending, help them. Agreed.’
While Dave Trew added: ‘It’s going to take a brave man to admit to being a paedophile on camera #paedophilenextdoor Hope it helps to deal with the problems.’
But others suggested that accepting paedophiles in society ‘softens’ the public towards them, and is a step towards condoning their behaviour.
‘Feels like the media are preparing to soften up the publics view on child molesters. Disgusting and shambolic,’ said City Maverick.
‘There is no cure for paedophiles, bullet through the head and 6 foot under is the only solution,’ wrote Danny Dickinson.
THE PAEDOPHILE NEXT DOOR - MEET EDDIE, 39, THE SELF-CONFESSED PAEDOPHILE
While Leanne Zoe said: ‘If you have any sympathy for these vile people then you should be ashamed.’
In Germany, there is already a campaign to get inactive paedophiles to come forward for treatment, and documentary maker Steve Humphries believes the same should be available in the UK.
He concludes that this must be a better option - acknowledging and preventing rather than ignoring until a crime is committed, and then punishing, which forces these potentially dangerous individuals underground.
Have your say - what do you think about the ideas raised in The Paedophile Next Door?
Should paedophiles who haven't offended have access to treatment, rather than being punished?