Kemal is favourite to win

The experts were called by production staff at the complex in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, at 1230 BST on Monday.

"The package was X-rayed but it was found not to be suspicious," said a spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Police.

During series four of the reality show in 2003 contestants were moved out of the house following a bomb scare, which also turned out to be a false alarm.

On that occasion they were kept in a secure location for three hours, still under the constant watch of cameras.

This time the housemates were unaware of the drama happening outside and nominations for the next eviction went ahead.

Rows continue

Twelve housemates remain in the show following the eviction of white witch Mary on Friday.

The current series, which is the sixth, continues to attract high audiences, with four million tuning into Sunday night's edition.

Male belly dancer Kemal Shahin is still favourite to win the 11-week show's �100,000 prize, with bookmakers Ladbrokes slashing his odds from 7/2 to 3/1.

Ladbrokes spokesman Warren Lush said: "It may be early days but it is a case of Kemal first, the rest nowhere."