Celebs' careers at risk following racism allegations

Jade Goody and Danielle Lloyd’s careers appeared to be crumbling tonight as a result of their alleged racism on Celebrity Big Brother, while Channel 4 remained defiant about the show.

Complaints from viewers about the race row soared to more than 36,000, as Big Brother’s sponsor Carphone Warehouse suspended its affiliation with the show.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell joined the fray, branding last night’s show “disgusting” and “racism being presented as entertainment”.

Up until now, Channel 4’s chief executive has refused to comment on the growing furore, which has turned into a minor international incident.

When he finally did answer questions today, Andy Duncan said he was “not ashamed of what was broadcast, quite the opposite”.

He said the programme, which last night had 5.2 million viewers – its third highest audience this series – “has touched a real nerve”.

Mr Duncan said: “The debate has been heated, the viewing has at times been uncomfortable but, in my view, it is unquestionably a good thing that the programme has raised these issues and provoked such a debate.

“These attitudes, however distasteful, do persist – we need to confront that truth.”

Former Miss Great Britain Danielle has been dumped from a lucrative modelling contract, believed to be worth six figures, as a result of the row.

The girlfriend of Teddy Sheringham signed a 12-month deal at the end of last year to be the face of motorcycle insurance firm Bennetts.

The Perfume Shop also decided to withdraw Jade’s best-selling perfume, Shh…, from its shelves because of the controversy, adding that it would review the position when Jade left the house.

The row is likely to come to a head in tomorrow night’s eviction, when Jade, the former darling of reality TV, is likely to be booted out.

As their careers began to nosedive, representatives for Jade and Danielle released statements saying their clients were not racist.

Carphone Warehouse ordered Channel 4 to remove its name and branding from the programme with immediate effect, following the escalation of alleged racist bullying directed at the Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.

The company’s chief executive Charles Dunstone said: “Our concern has rapidly mounted about the broadcast behaviour of individuals within the Big Brother house.

“We had already made it clear to Channel 4 that were this to continue, we would have to consider our position.

“Nothing we saw last night gave us any comfort. Accordingly, we have instructed Channel 4 to remove our sponsorship name and branding with immediate effect.”

Hertfordshire Police have launched an investigation into the allegations of racism.

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said he would be writing to Channel 4 about the show.

The programme was being monitored, he told the Oxford Media Convention, and if the organisation decided to take any action it would do so “under due process”.

Commons Leader Jack Straw has encouraged the media watchdog to launch an immediate investigation.

During the row screened on last night’s show, Jade screamed at Shilpa: “Go back to the slums.”

Former beauty queen Danielle later said Shilpa should “f*** off home”, adding: “She can’t even speak English properly.”

After the argument, an upset Shilpa complained for the first time that she was the victim of racist bullying.

But today she appeared to be reluctant to portray herself as the victim of racism.

Big Brother finally raised the issue and asked Shilpa in the Diary Room if she felt that yesterday’s row with Jade was racially motivated.

Shilpa said: “No, actually I take that back. I don’t think that is true. You know, people say things in a fit of anger. I stand corrected. I don’t want people to think and feel that way.”