Celebrity Big Brother has landed itself in hot water with viewers after airing a clip of housemate Angie Bowie crying over the death of her ex-husband, musician David Bowie.
Angie broke down on the show, which is currently being shown on TV3 and Channel 5 in the UK, on learning of Bowie's sudden death on Sunday after a battle with cancer.
The couple were married between 1970 and 1980 and have one son, the successful film director Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones (44), who made Moon and Source Code and who is also the subject of his father's 1971 song Kooks.
Angie had not seen David for more than 35 years and, at first, remained calm and composed when she was informed of his passing.
"I haven't seen him for so many years. I can't make a big drama out of it ... I just feel like an era has ended with his passing ... I'm so very sad."
Through tears she later added: "Stardust is gone."
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
John Partridge and David Gest came to the Diary Room to offer support for Angie, who has decided to remain in the house.
Talking to her fellow house mates about her decision, she said: "I'd prefer to be here but I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't.
"If I don't leave I look callous. If I stay I look callous."
Station to station: David and Angie Bowie pictured in 1973
The Diary Room scene was broadcast at the end of Monday night’s Celebrity Big Brother, igniting a backlash and forcing a spokesperson for the show to clarify on Twitter that Angie had first heard the news from her agent off camera.
“Following the very sad news of David Bowie’s death, we can now confirm that Angie Bowie has been informed off camera by her representatives," they statement read.
“She has taken the decision to continue in the programme. 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.”
