BB bosses apologise for phone vote shambles

Its bosses were forced to apologise yesterday after a hitch in Wednesday night's show left viewers confused about how to evict Shilpa Shetty.

The Bollywood beauty is up for eviction today with four other housemates - Dirk Benedict, Cleo Rocos, Jo O'Meara, and Ian Watkins - "H" from Steps.

At the end of Wednesday night's Channel 4 show, the message which flashed up on screen incorrectly told fans to call a number to save Shilpa, not evict her.

Viewers were left perplexed as the voice-over correctly said to call the same number to evict the star, whose treatment at the hands of Jade Goody, Jo and Danielle Lloyd sparked international fury.

Channel 4 was forced to cancel all the votes that have been placed so far and restart the process last night. It says refunds will be given to all those who have already voted.

Shilpa, whose win would be good news for Channel 4 following the race row, is favourite to win this year's controversial series.

Endemol, the TV giant which makes Big Brother, released a statement saying: "This was a genuine mistake which was due to human error.

"We apologise to viewers and feel the best way to rectify it is to cancel the vote so far and reopen the voting.

"We have consulted with our independent adjudicator before making this decision.

"Viewers who voted can have a full refund and any unclaimed monies will be donated to charity.

"Following this error the profits from Friday night's reopened eviction voting will also go to charity."

Channel 4 said: "On Wednesday night, at the end of Celebrity Big Brother, there was an error in the on-screen information about tonight's eviction vote in relation to the eviction phone line details for Shilpa.

"While the voice-over was correct and stated 'to vote to evict Shilpa' the on-screen text mistakenly read 'to vote to save Shilpa'."

Yesterday Dirk and Cleo called a truce. Jo also warmed to Dirk after he submitted to an extended waxing session that left his left leg completely hair-free.

Following Jack's initiation earlier, Jo baited the 62-year old to follow suit, saying: "Dirk isn't a man."

But with Shilpa brandishing the strips, Dirk was happy to take part - much to the astonishment of Cleo and Jo.

"Do you have a drink Dirk? You might need one after this," said Cleo. "I need a stick to bite on!" said Dirk.

As soon as Shilpa ripped off the strip, huge cheers rang round the bedroom.

Taking the pain like a man, Dirk said: "Ooh, look at that! It's like baby skin." His entire leg was stripped bare.

Afterwards Cleo said: "I have to say Dirk, I like you now. I've hated you for the last three days." She then gave him a kiss and a hug.

Shortly after, Jo raised a toast to Dirk in the lounge whilst he recovered from the waxing. "Here's to Dirk for being himself for a couple of minutes - which isn't so bad," she said.