Ex am-dram apologises for racist remark (From Gazette Series)

Ex am-dram apologises for racist remark

11:00am Friday 8th June 2007 in News By Alex Ross

EMILY Parr, a former member of a Chipping Sodbury dramatics group, has apologised for making a racially offensive remark on Big Brother. The 19-year-old was removed from the compound at 3.30am yesterday morning after using the word to another housemate.

In scenes filmed as she was being told to leave the Channel 4 show, she said she had not meant the word in an offensive way and added that it was "a friendly term" where she came from. Channel 4 said it had taken the decision to remove her from the house because "such behaviour won't be tolerated".Millions had been watching Emily, of Downend, since she joined other housemates on the controversial show.

She had been nominated for eviction tonight, but that vote has now been suspended.

Just two years ago, Emily was starring in The Admirable Crichton at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall in front of about 100 people, with the Sodbury Players.

Former fellow actor Richard Cottle had spoken of his shock at seeing her in the house.

He said: "I was watching the launch and pinching myself - I could not believe it was her.

"I am a big Big Brother fan and it is one of those things you never think will happen, seeing someone on there you know."

Richard also said that the Sodbury Players would be cheering her on during her stay in the house - but their hopes have proved to be short-lived.