In a turn up for the books Big Brother contestant Jade Goody has apologised to Shilpa Shetty. Former dental nurse Jade initiated the detente and went on to give the actress a hug after saying she was sorry for her recent treatment of the Bollywood star.
Her overture was received gracefully by Shilpa, who smiled and said, "I really appreciate that you took the first step," as they went to announce the truce to their fellow housemates. The news was greeted with relief, provoking Dirk Benedict to burst into applause and Ian Watkins to launch into a rendition of Love Is In The Air.
The turnabout came after Jade and Shilpa sat down for a one-to-one talk about an argument they had got into on Tuesday over a stock cube. "I know what has happened has not been nice for you," admitted Jade. She went on to say her use of the term 'Shilpa Poppadom' wasn't intended as a racial slur, adding that she doesn't "judge people by the colour of their skin". In return, Shilpa assured the 25-year-old mum-of-two that she didn't feel she'd been racist. "I appreciate you saying that - it does mean a lot," replied Jade.
Earlier in the day both women had been asked separately into the diary room to talk about the recent war of words. Shilpa had previously revealed fears she was the target of racism, but during her session in the diary room she had a change of heart. "I take that back. I thought it was 'cos everybody was having an argument with me, but people say things in a fit of anger. I don't feel there was any racial discrimination happening from Jade's end. I think that there are a lot of insecurities from her end, but it's definitely not racial."
Channel 4 executives finally stepped in as the international furore over Shilpa's treatment in the house escalated. "We have already intervened with Danielle and again with Jade where we felt their comments might be construed to have racist overtones," said a spokesperson. With over 30,000 complaints lodged against the show, producers asked Jade into the diary room on Wednesday night to talk about her behaviour towards the Bollywood beauty.
When asked about her comments, Jade looked startled. "It was not to offend any Indian out there. Everyone knows I don’t like her. She don't like me. What I said about her was not meant in a racial way - it's not acceptable if done in that way."
Meanwhile, Jade's career has already suffered a backlash from her behaviour on the show. Bottles of her perfume 'Shh' have been removed from two high street retail chains, with others considering whether to follow suit. Fellow housemate Danielle, who has also been criticised for her remarks about Shilpa, is similarly affected - losing a lucrative modelling contract.
It remains to be seen whether Jade's new approach will affect her chances of eviction from the House on Friday evening. She is currently leading the hellomagazine.com Big Brother 'next to be evicted'poll (above right) by an enormous margin.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
