Celebrity Big Brother host Emma Willis has been praised for her "strong but fair" interview with former contestant Roxanne Pallett.
Pallett exited the show under controversial circumstances after she alleged that her former CBB housemate Ryan Thomas had punched her during her time in the house.
The former Emmerdale actress appeared in a pre-recorded interview with Willis where the presenter grilled her about the allegations she made against Thomas.
Willis proposed to Pallett: "It’s very easy to say sorry but to really mean it is a different thing."
Pallett responded: "I am the most hated girl in Britain. It is a lot to deal with. I am crippled with emotion and shame, that I would have put someone in that position. I am devastated and I am sorry."
42-year-old host Willis also urged Pallett to "consider the implications" of the false allegations.
"Can you imagine if those cameras hadn’t have been there? You would have ruined him."
Pallett replied: "It cripples me with embarrassment and shame. Seeing Ryan distressed..."
Willis fired back: "You have had the luxury of time and research. A lot of people aren't buying your apology", and went on to call her behaviour "worrying".
Viewers rushed to social media to praise Willis for her approach to the interview.
Vogue Williams said "she didn't let her off lightly" while Sun columnist Dan Wootton said it was a "sensational interview".
Also that was a great interview by Emma Willis, she didn’t let her off lightly...@bbuk
— Vogue Williams (@VogueWilliams) September 3, 2018
OK, how good is @EmmaWillis? Sensational interview. Firm but fair, emotional but measured. She asked the questions we all wanted. Sadly the answers are hard to get your head around. #cbb #cbbuk
— Dan Wootton (@danwootton) September 3, 2018
Emma Willis is everything 🙌🏻 didn’t disappoint !!! @bbuk #cbb
— Nicola McLean (@NicolaMcLean) September 3, 2018
Thank god for @EmmaWillis
— Charley Webb (@MissCharleyWebb) September 3, 2018
Presenting goals @EmmaWillis you’re amazing. ✨
— Stacey Solomon (@StaceySolomon) September 3, 2018
"COULD YOU FORGIVE YOU?"
— Joe Saunders (@JoeSaunders) September 3, 2018
Emma Willis removing her ear piece the second Roxanne started with the crocodile tears saying "thanks everybody" is one of the most iconic Big Brother moments ever. 👏🏻
Anyone remember when Nasty Nick was hated just for having a pencil?🤦🏻♂️😂 #cbb pic.twitter.com/su6S2zRGpg
How the iconic Emma Willis reacts when Roxanne turns on the waterworks and tries to go for the sympathy vote...#CBB pic.twitter.com/gBZbb0HWLR
— ✨ 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔀 ✨ (@DigitalOutcry) September 3, 2018
Emma Willis was READY for Roxanne Pallett. Thank you Emma. That was exactly the grilling we wanted #CBB pic.twitter.com/rYCjkn4VSf
— Darren Haywood (@darren_haywood) September 3, 2018
Wow! @EmmaWillis interview was strong but fair. She left no stone unturned and left Roxanne nowhere to hide. Rather than baying for blood though, she looked like a very very disappointed parent - which is far worse in my opinion. Well done Emma.
— Tony Maudsley (@TonyMaudsley1) September 4, 2018
Yes @EmmaWillis! #cbb #myhero xx pic.twitter.com/IPgumqJZ8L
— Giovanna Fletcher (@MrsGiFletcher) September 3, 2018
.@EmmaWillis Extremely well handled. Straight talking, pertinent & fair. #Roxannecbb
— James Dreyfus (@DreyfusJames) September 3, 2018
Your eyes said it all.
You can watch the interview below.
The full Emma Willis Roxanne Pallett interview. You make your own mind up ? #CBB #CBBRoxanne pic.twitter.com/uxLQ0vivGS
— Auntie Pegg (@AuntiePegg) September 3, 2018
Meanwhile, it has been announced that Pallett will not return to her job as presenter of a radio breakfast show. She joined Minster FM in York and North Yorkshire earlier this year, hosting the breakfast show with Ben Fry.
A statement from the radio station, which was read out on air, said: "As a result of discussions today with her representatives, Minster FM can confirm that Roxanne Pallett has stepped down from her position at the station with immediate effect to take some time out and reflect on recent events.
"Roxanne will not be returning to Minster FM."
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