Flamboyant racing pundit John McCririck was sacked by Channel 4 because his “pantomime persona” is “unpalatable” to a wide audience, an employment tribunal ruled.

John McCririck’s appearances as a pantomime villain in reality TV shows did nothing to reduce his gravitas as a serious racing pundit and journalist, he has told an employment tribunal.

Britain's Big Brother housemates are set to revel in an oompah party tonight with lederhosen, beer and folk music – if they pass their latest task.