'Celebrity Big Brother' housemates Jade Goody and Danielle Lloyd have both apologised to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty for comments they made during arguments with her.
The apologies came as their careers appear to be crumbling in the outside world, unknown to them, after viewers claimed that Shetty was being targeted in the house.
According to reports, more than 36,000 complaints of alleged racism have been lodged with media watchdog Ofcom and Channel 4.
Goody said to Shetty: "I know that what has happened has not been nice for you... and a lot of stuff got said the other day from you and from myself."
"I didn't say it in a racial way... I do not judge people by the colour of their skin," she said.
Shetty replied: "I know that, I don't think you're racist. I really appreciate that you took the first step."
Later Lloyd also apologised, saying: "I'm sorry. 'Cause I'm young and quite naive, I've probably took the route where I'll stick with Jade."
"I feel really disgusted at myself... I'm following the leader, following the group - when (you are) a really nice girl."
'Celebrity Big Brother' sponsor Carphone Warehouse suspended its affiliation with the show yesterday amid the controversy.
Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan defended the decision to keep the show on air, saying that he was "not ashamed of what was broadcast, quite the opposite".
"The debate has been heated, the viewing has at times been uncomfortable but, in my view, it is unquestionably a good thing that the programme has raised these issues and provoked such a debate," he said.
"These attitudes, however distasteful, do persist - we need to confront that truth."
Yesterday model Lloyd was dropped from a lucrative modelling contract, reported to be worth six figures.
The Perfume Shop also withdrew sales of Goody's best-selling perfume 'Shh...' as a result of the controversy in the house.
It has also been confirmed that Hertfordshire Police have launched an investigation into the allegations of racism in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house.
