Big Brother housemate may face misconduct action

A parish council is considering misconduct action against one of its members who appeared on Big Brother.

George Gilbert was kicked off the reality series on Wednesday for "repeated use of unacceptable language and behaviour", ITV said.

A source at Finchingfield Parish Council, near Braintree in Essex, claimed Gilbert was "causing problems" for the authority because residents were complaining to the council about his behaviour.

The 23-year-old actor said he was "sorry it's ended like this" when told he would be leaving the show. He has been approached for further comment.

He entered the house, which is rigged with cameras and microphones, on 30 September.

Gilbert was seen in Monday's episode being reprimanded by Big Brother for mocking a fellow housemate by using "limp wrists".

He had also claimed on the show that gay relationships were being "rammed down the throat" of people and said many drug addicts were "deflecting responsibility".

Speaking to the BBC, the Finchingfield Parish Council source said advice was being sought from a monitoring officer at Braintree District Council over any misconduct action it could take against Gilbert due to his behaviour on the show.

"The council have been made aware of certain views and opinions made by a councillor on the Big Brother programme," they said.

They added Gilbert's views were branded "awful" in one email to the authority, from a member of the public.

ITV did not air the former contestant's latest comments because they were contrary to broadcast standards, it said.

Housemates received training in respect, dignity and inclusion ahead of appearing on the show.

Reacting to his removal in the Big Brother diary room, Gilbert said: "If that's what you want to do, then there's no point me trying to convince you otherwise.

"Sorry it's ended like this."

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