Tessa Jowell accuses Big Brother of 'presenting racism as entertainment'

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell branded Wednesday night's Celebrity Big Brother show "disgusting".

"I think this is racism being presented as entertainment, and I think it is disgusting," she said.

"My personal view is that this has caused enormous offence not only abroad but to the Indian community here."

However on Thursday Shilpa Shetty herself disagreed with Ms Jowell, telling Big Brother that she did not believe Jade was a racist.

Her ongoing row with Jade has caused headlines across the globe as concerns have grown about racism in the house. Shilpa herself told housemate Cleo on Wednesday that she felt Jade's comments were racially motivated - before her public about-face on Thursday.

A Daily Mail poll has showed that 64 per cent of nearly 9,000 readers believe the bullying that Shilpa is suffering at the hands of Jade is in fact based in racism.

Ms Jowell said the row was a matter for Ofcom. The media watchdog said tonight it has now received 33,000 complaints.

Bookmaker William Hill is refusing to take any more bets on Jade and said it would not pay out in the unlikely event that she wins the show.

Spokesman Rupert Adams said: "As far as we are concerned, Jade does not deserve to win and we will not be accepting any bets on her.

"If she wins we will be paying out on the contestant who comes second."