Celebrity Big Brother receives hundreds of complaints after Tiffany Pollard mistakenly believes David Gest has died

Some viewers accused the broadcaster of exploiting the death of David Bowie 
Complaints: Viewers were unhappy with Channel 5's decision to air the confusion
Channel 5
Emma Powell13 January 2016

TV watchdog Ofcom has received hundreds of complaints from viewers after a furious row erupted following the confusion over the death of David Bowie.

Housemate Angie Bowie was informed off camera of the news that her ex-husband had died following an 18 month cancer battle.

The former model confided in Tiffany Pollard, telling her: “David’s dead.”

The American reality star panicked that Angie meant David Gest, and accused her of playing a "f*****g sick" joke when she discovered Gest alive in his bed.

After a scene of confusion with the other housemates, Daniella Westbrook eventually told a hysterical Tiffany, “She means her ex-husband, David,” before a furious row broke out.

Housemates called for Tiffany to leave after she refused to apologise to Angie.

Ofcom revealed 200 complaints had been made about the decision to televise Angie in the moments after she was told of her ex-husband's death, Pollard's hysterical reaction and the way other housemates "bullied" her over her mistake.

Celebrity Big Brother Launch 2016

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An Ofcom spokesperson said: “We will assess these complaints before deciding whether to investigate or not”.

Some accused the show of exploiting the late singer’s death, but Rylan Clark, host of Big Brother's Bit On The Side, defended Channel 5's decision to broadcast the commotion.

Speaking on This Morning he said: "A lot of people were saying on Twitter that it was so distasteful for Big Brother to show this.

"With all due respect, what has happened is terrible news like when anyone dies. That was, as you've now seen the whole day in that house.

"That was played out over this misunderstanding. There would have been nothing to show."

Celebrity Big Brother is on Channel 5 tonight at 9pm.

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