Justin Lee Collins' ex-girlfriend Anna Larke has told of her relief that the comedian convicted of harassing her will not appear on Celebrity Big Brother.
The comedian had been heavily rumoured to be a contestant on the Channel 5 show, which stars in January.
But a spokesperson for Collins, 38, said on Tuesday while he was "thrilled" to have been asked, he declined the offer "several weeks ago."
Anna Larke spoke of her 'relief'
Anna told The Huffington Post UK she was "delighted" he would not be appearing in the programme.
"I don't think he should have been asked, I understand why because his appearance would be controversial.
"I guess it must get more, what's the word, weighting for the programme but I'm just so relieved because it would have sent out the wrong message to everyone, all the men and women that have been abused [by others]," she said.
During Collins' trial the court was told he made her sleep facing him, throw away DVDs because they featured actors she found attractive and made death threats against her.
Collins, who made a name for himself as a host on Channel 4's The Friday Night Project, was said to be a controlling, jealous boyfriend who assaulted Ms Larke.
Alex Larke, the brother of Collins' ex Anna, had started a petition asking for Channel 5 to withdraw the comedians offer that was signed by thousands.
But in a statement released to The Huffington Post UK Collins' spokesperson denied the decision to turn down Celebrity Big Brother had anything to do with the call.
"There has been much speculation about whether Justin Lee Collins will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house," they said.
"He was approached by the programme and although he was thrilled to have been asked, he declined the offer several weeks ago. To be clear, this decision is in no way connected to Alex Larke's petition."
A Channel 5 spokesperson said they did not comment on rumours about potential housemates.