Celebrity Big Brother criticised for airing grieving Angie Bowie interview
Channel 5 has invoked criticism for using footage of Angie Bowie breaking down while discussing the death of her ex-husband David Bowie, who passed away on Sunday after an 18 month battle with cancer, as a teaser for the next episode.
Following David’s death, Channel 5 had to inform Angie, who was insulated from the news in the Big Brother house, that her husband from 1970 to 1980 had passed away.
Channel 5 had turned off streams from the house on Monday morning to break the news to Ms Bowie. It later emerged that she would stay in the house with C5 announcing: “She has taken the decision to continue in the programme".
It added: "The decision to remain in the house is entirely her choice, and she has been given the option to leave at any time if she changes her mind. Appropriate support will be available to Angie at any time if needed."
The broadcaster has taken flak on social media for showing footage of her breaking down in the Diary Room.
In a brief slot speaking to camera, she said: “I haven't seen him in so many years, I can't make a big drama out of it. It just feels like an era has ended with his passing.
“I'm just so very sad... Stardust is gone."
Commentators were shocked by the show's decision to air Bowie's grief.
C5's decision to show Angie Bowie's reaction to the news of the death of her ex-husband, for entertainment purposes, is indefensible. #CBB
— Rich Kemp (@mrrkkemp) January 11, 2016
Still can't believe C5 - even C5 - did a "Coming up tomorrow, David Bowie's ex-wife weeps in the diary room at the news of his death." #CBB
— Ian Hyland (@HylandIan) January 11, 2016
Some social media users thought the show had recorded the moment Angie Bowie had learned of her ex husband’s fate.
The broadcaster tweeted to correct this discrepancy.
For those asking – Angie was told the tragic news about David Bowie off camera by her agent, then spoke to BB about it in the Diary Room.
— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) January 11, 2016