media - Has the BBC been cheated?

Last week was a China week for the BBC and the famous discussion program "Question Time" in what was supposed to be an independent audience, that could participate in the discussion. Doubts is rising whether the audience was really that independent.
"The translators of our mayor have been making overtime," jokes one of my well-connected friends, who saw the tape. "There were many familiar faces in the audience. I think the BBC has been cheated."