Media watchdog rejects Jim Davidson complaints

Complaints about Jim Davidson's homophobic language on Hell's Kitchen have been rejected by media regulator Ofcom because the TV audience needed a clear view of contestants' personalities.

Nearly 200 viewers objected to Jim's use of the words 'shirt-lifters' and 'poofs' and his perceived bullying of gay contestant Brian Dowling.

But Ofcom said ITV was justified in showing the scenes because audiences needed 'an unedited insight into the contestants' personalities'.

It added: "There was a consensus view on the programme that Jim Davidson's behaviour towards Brian Dowling was not acceptable and that he was in the minority".

Jim left the show following the row, but denied being homophobic.

ITV said: "Jim Davidson's language and behaviour were placed against a backdrop that made it clear that the contestants, ITV and society in general did not think it acceptable to use terms such as 'shirt-lifter' or to make an issue of a person's sexuality."

Ofcom also rejected 31 complaints about chef Marco Pierre White's use of the phrase 'pikey's picnic'.

The Commission for Racial Equality had called his comment 'highly derogatory' to gypsy and traveller communities.