David Bowie dead: Celebrity Big Brother criticised for airing clip of Angie Bowie breaking down in tears

CBB has released a statement clarifying that Angie was first told the news off camera by her agent

Angie Bowie has decided to remain in the Celebrity Big Brother house (PA)

Celebrity Big Brother has come under criticism after airing a clip of housemate Angie Bowie crying over the death of her ex-husband, musician David Bowie.

Angie was called to the Diary Room and told the sad news that David had died from cancer aged 69 on Sunday.

Angie had not seen David for more than forty years and, at first, remained calm and composed.

“I haven’t seen him in so many years, I can’t make a big drama out of it,” she said. “I just feel like an era has ended with his passing. I’m so very sad.”

Breaking down in tears she added: “The stardust is gone.”

John Partridge and David Gest came to the Diary Room to offer support for Angie, who has decided to remain in the house.

“Following the very sad news of David Bowie’s death, we can now confirm that Angie Bowie has been informed off camera by her representatives,” a statement read.

“She has taken the decision to continue in the programme. The decision to remain in the house is entirely her choice and she has been given the option to leave at any time if she changes her mind. Appropriate support will be available to Angie at any time if needed.”

The Diary Room scene was broadcast as a teaser at the end of Monday night’s Celebrity Big Brother, sparking a backlash and forcing a spokesperson for the show to clarify on Twitter that Angie had first heard the news from her agent off camera.

David and Angie married in 1970 but divorced ten years later. They had one son together, filmmaker Duncan Jones, who has been estranged from Angie since he was 13.

David Bowie’s unexpected death has sent shockwaves around the music world after he released new album Blackstar, a “parting gift” according to producer Tony Visconti, on his birthday last Friday.

Celebrity Big Brother continues at 9pm tonight on Channel 5.