Is Celebrity Big Brother storm all part of a Machiavellian game?

Even if you've haven't managed to catch any of the Z-list extravaganza that doubles for Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, you must have been living on the moon if you've missed the tsunami of publicity following an '˜incident' in the house last week.
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Former Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett claimed Ryan Thomas, Jason the builder from Corrie, assaulted her.

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A serious allegation at any time, but clearly intensified with the rise of the #MeToo movement. If proven, it could have been career-threatening for Thomas, and he’d certainly never have got another drink in the Rovers.

Ian HartIan Hart
Ian Hart

Whether a storm in a teacup or a stunt to get viewers and mass-media coverage, the resulting publicity has come in spades.

Looking at the whole thing rationally, if he had assaulted her on recorded footage, I doubt Channel 5 would have cleared it for broadcast. Secondly, I believe he would have been removed from the house immediately.

But no, the footage went out, tantrums, tears and allegations followed, and Ms Pallett found herself facing what could be the most career-damaging move since Roseanne Barr’s infamous Twitter post.

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Another one of the ‘celebrities’ currently occupying the house is Nick Leeson, of Barings Bank notoriety. I wonder if he looks at the events in the house and wishes he was back in prison?

Due to falling viewing figures, Channel 5 had suggested this would be the last-ever celebrity edition, although this latest hullabaloo might, unfortunately, reverse that.

Whatever happens, Roxanne Pallett will remember, and almost certainly regret, playing the CBB game for the rest of her life.

Given the priceless publicity created, some might question whether it is all part of a Machiavellian game.

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