CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER - CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER 'NOT SANITISED' FOR TV RETURN

CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER 'NOT SANITISED' FOR TV RETURN

Despite attracting record complaints in 2007, Celebrity Big Brother will not be "sanitised" for its return to the screen, Channel 4 have claimed.

The reality show was dropped from the schedules in 2007 after the allegedly racist bullying of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty by Jade Goody and other housemates garnered 45,000 complaints to media watchdog Ofcom.

But with the show returning tonight (Friday January 2nd), Channel 4 bosses have stressed the format will not be watered down.

"There's never been a case of sanitising Big Brother," said David Williams, Channel 4 commissioning editor, said.

"We've got procedures in place so we can cope with any eventuality," Mr Williams said.

"If things are getting out of hand, we'll deal with them," added Phil Edgar Jones, creative director of Brighter Pictures, which produces Big Brother.

"We have so many checks and balances we've imposed upon ourselves."

Those rumoured to be entering the house include Ulrika Jonsson, diminutive actor Verne Troyer, singers Michelle Heaton and Mutya Buena and controversial politician Tommy Sheridan.

Channel 4 have said rumours of the new Celebrity Big Brother lineup are not entirely accurate, but other reported participants include Michael Jackson's sister LaToya, rapper Coolio and glamour model Lucy Pinder.

Celebrity Big Brother begins on Channel 4 at 2100 GMT.