Paul Merton: Refused to put Welsh in Room 101

But North Wales Police said it was investigating a complaint by a member of the public and other annoyed viewers have contacted the BBC and Broadcasting Standards Commission.

Ms Robinson, 57, could also be called by MPs to appear before the Welsh Select Committee to explain her comments.

Lord Tebbit said the remarks should be "treated with contempt".

"I would make sure when she next appears on the television, switch it off; just ignore the woman."

A BBC spokesperson said the repeat of the programme scheduled for Sunday night had not been changed.

Five hundred complaints were made about the programme - but only 80 after transmission, said the spokesperson.

"The programme is still going out, with no cuts.

"To put it in context, if Star Trek goes out half and hour late, we get up to 1,000 calls of complaint."

If the remarks had been about black people, or Pakistanis or gays it just would not have gone out

Martyn Jones MP

Viewers on Monday saw Ms Robinson nominate Welsh people for inclusion in Room 101 - the fictional space in George Orwell's novel 1984 which contains everyone's greatest fear.

"What are they for?" Robinson asked the show's presenter Paul Merton.

"They are always so pleased with themselves," she added.

Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones, who chairs the Welsh affairs committee, said BBC Director General Greg Dyke should be forced to explain why the comments "which bordered on racism" were broadcast.

Martyn Jones MP: Writing to Greg Dyke

"Anne Robinson's comments must be considered as racist. If the remarks had been about black people, or Pakistanis or gays it just would not have gone out," said Mr Jones.

Mr Jones said Robinson would only argue she was joking if called before the committee and that would give her more credibility than she deserves.

But he said members would be writing to Mr Dyke to find out why the comments had been aired.

People go into the programme knowing they will be making some sort of joke and it will be said in jest

BBC spokesman

Meanwhile, Vale of Clwyd Labour MP Chris Ruane has called for her to be sacked.

"My message to Anne Robinson is: you are the weakest link - goodbye."

As well as complaining to the police, Welsh civil rights group Cefn is pressing for legal action against the star and the BBC under the Race Relations Act.

The matter is now to be investigated by the BBC board of governors.

BBC National Governor for Wales Roger Jones said he would raise the issue with his colleagues.