Big Brother criticised for re-airing Michael Barrymore’s Adolf Hitler impersonation

Compilation series Big Brother: Best Shows Ever included the controversial clip

(Channel 4)

Viewers have criticised the E4 compilation series Big Brother: Best Shows Ever after it featured an offensive impression of Adolf Hitler by comedian Michael Barrymore.

The programme, which is comprised of clips from classic episodes of the Channel 4 reality series Big Brother, was produced to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary.

Davina McCall and Rylan Clark-Neal introduced the episode in question, which aired on Monday 15 June.

Clips were included from the fourth season of Celebrity Big Brother, which featured housemates including Dennis Rodman, Pete Burns and Jodie Marsh.

The housemates were asked to provide a show of skill for their professions, as one of the challenges.

Bafflingly, Barrymore drew a pencil moustache on his face, slicked back his hair and began impersonating the voice of the Nazi leader.

In the clip, the other housemates appear shocked at Barrymore’s actions, but no more so than the viewers at home. Many people watching Best Shows Ever voiced their objection to the scene on social media.

One commenter wrote: “[At the] beginning of the first episode they said they’d taken some bits out as it wouldn’t be appropriate and they’ve just played Michael Barrymore impersonating Hitler.”

Another said: “I can’t believe #BBUK decided to show Hitler.

“Watch them get Ofcom complaints before the show’s even been renewed for another season.”

Channel 4 omitted certain other problematic highlights from their compilation, including a clip from the same series which featured Jimmy Saville.

In a statement, the broadcaster said: “We have carefully reviewed each episode to ensure that it complies with the Ofcom code and provides a fair representation and appropriate context for events in the house at that time.”