23/01/2007

Big Brother review ordered

A review of Big Brother has been ordered by Channel 4 bosses following the racist bullying row involving Jade Goody and Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.

However, the current edition of 'Celebrity Big Brother' will remain on air, Channel 4 announced.

Announcing the review on Monday night, Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson said: "We take the views of our audience very seriously and profoundly regret any offence that may have been caused."

Mr Johnson confirmed that the Channel 4 Board had commissioned a review of the editorial policy of ‘Big Brother’.

Ofcom, the media regulator, received around 40,000 complaints about the treatment of Shilpa Shetty by Jade Goody, and other contestants in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house.

Goody, who was nominated for eviction from the show last week along with Shetty, was evicted with 82% of the vote last Friday night. Channel 4 was forced to take precautions to ensure her safety following the eviction, including banning the usual crowd which gathers outside the house on eviction nights.

Jade's agent, John Noel, said that Jade was "completely distraught" following the eviction and was being treated for shock and depression.

Meanwhile, Channel 4 is now facing another potential row over racist comments on another reality show.

Remarks by a contestant on 'Shipwrecked' - public schoolgirl Lucy Buchanan - resulted in nearly 200 complaints to Ofcom.

The 18-year-old from Edinburgh sparked the complaints by saying that she was in favour of slavery and also criticised fat people and gays.

(KMcA)

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