Media regulator Ofcom has received 200 complaints from viewers over the way Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty is being treated by fellow housemates in 'Big Brother'.

Ofcom is now investigating racist claims that Shilpa is being targeted by the likes of Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meara for being Indian.

Channel Four says that her treatment in the house is "girly rivalry" and that it won't tolerate bullying or racism.

Jade Goody's mother, Jackiey, repeatedly referred to Shilpa as "the Indian" while she was on the show and was unable to pronounce her name.

Over the weekend, former Miss Great Britain Danielle Lloyd and ex-S Club 7 star Jo O'Meara poked fun at Shilpa's accent.

An Ofcom spokeswoman said: "We have had approximately 200 complaints of racism.

"Quite a lot of websites have been discussing the issue and urging people to get in contact with us. We will look into each individual complaint."

There have also been rumours suggesting housemate Jack calling Shilpa "a Paki" during a late night conversation with his girlfriend Jade. These however have been unfounded.

Extracts from BBC