Audience Banned From Big Brother Eviction

Celebrity Big Brother is continuing to make headlines across the globe, and the controversy over the current series shows no sign of abating, with the audience for tonight’s eviction banned and Endemol being inundated with calls from potential sponsors.

Jade Goody is up against Shilpa Shetty in tonight’s eviction programme, with Goody, who has been at the centre of the racism allegations (see Big Brother Bullying Boosts Viewing Figures), odds on favourite to be ejected by the voting public.

In a statement released today Channel 4 said: “Over the past few days, Celebrity Big Brother has generated an intense and, at times, heated public debate which the evicted housemate will be unaware of.

“As a result, Channel 4 and Endemol have taken the decision to conduct tonight’s eviction in front of a studio audience and without a crowd.”

Meanwhile, following The Carphone Warehouse’s suspension of its sponsorship of the show (see Carphone Warehouse Suspends Celeb Big Bro Sponsorship), reports in the trade press claim that up to nine companies have approached the programme’s makers seeking to sponsor the celebrity reality series.

According to reports, Channel 4 expects The Carphone Warehouse to resume its sponsorship of the main Big Brother programme when the eighth series begins later in the year.

Channel 4: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com