Show sponsors Carphone Warehouse denied earlier reports that they were about to withdraw their support. A company spokesperson said: “We are against racism in any shape or form and have full faith in Channel 4 and that they will deal with any serious allegations such as this in the appropriate way.”

Earlier, Channel 4 dismissed the controversy as “girly rivalry” but as complaints flooded, a record 16,500 so far, they promised to root out the bad behaviour. “Big Brother does not tolerate bullying or racist abuse in any form. Big Brother is closely monitoring all the housemates and will take appropriate measures to reprimand such behaviour where necessary.”

But that did not satisfy the veteran Asian MP Keith Vaz. “We would not tolerate that kind of racism on other types of programme”, he argued. He put up an early day motion in the parliament after being contacted by his angry constituents. Today, Prime Minister Question Hour began with Vaz asking Tony Blair what he has to say about the racist abuse shown in a programme keenly watched by a young audience. Blair was polite: he said although he had not watched the programme, he endorsed the issue raised by Vaz.

The controversy comes just when Chancellor Gordon Brown’s visit to India begins. Brown, who is due to succeed Blair later this year, said: “I want Britain to be seen as a country of fairness and tolerance. Anything detracting from this I condemn.” And from Delhi, BBC ‘s political editor Nick Robinson ruled: “Diplomats here in India say the row is damaging Britain’s reputation.”

... contd.