BB's Dennis: I'm so ashamed

Big Brother housemate Dennis McHugh has said he is "ashamed" of himself for the spitting incident which led to his removal from the house.

The 23-year-old told the Sunday Mirror: "I'm bitterly disappointed. I totally regret it and I am sorry for what happened."

"It's been a tough few days but I need time to rest before I can move on from this. I need to get my head around everything that has happened."

The Scottish dance teacher was removed from the house by Big Brother after spitting in the face of fellow housemate Mohamed during a row on Thursday night.

The incident has been under investigation by police, and Dennis was questioned yesterday, although no further action has been taken for now. However they are likely to also question Mohamed when he leaves the house.

Meanwhile, anti-bullying charities have been calling for the show to be pulled following the row, which was screened on Channel 4's highlights show on Friday night.

"The bullying on Big Brother sets a terrible example to children and it's time this sort of rubbish was taken off our screens," said Liz Carnell from Bullying UK. "It's the sort of behaviour children shouldn't have to see on TV."

"We've had quite a few complaints about it and that shows that the public are fed up with watching these nobodies."