Big Brother viewers have criticised the decision not to edit out scenes in which Michael Barrymore impersonated Adolf Hitler in a repeat of an episode from 2006.
The moment appeared in the latest episode of Big Brother: Best Shows Ever, in which presenters Davina McCall and Rylan Clark-Neal relive some of the reality series’ most memorable episodes.
Monday night saw them revisit the fourth series of Celebrity Big Brother, where non-celebrity housemate Chantelle Houghton had to convince her fellow contestants she was actually a member of a girl band.
As part of her secret mission, Chantelle and the rest of the house had to take part in a talent show, during which Michael drew on a moustache and slicked down his hair to perform a skit as Hitler.
Open Image Modal
Michael Barrymore on Celebrity Big Brother
Channel 4
For many people watching, his impression didn’t feel appropriate to re-air, and bosses were criticised for not editing it out of the broadcast:
The criticism comes after Rylan told viewers of some scenes had been cut out of Sunday night’s first episode, which looked back at Big Brother 1.
He said: “As I’m sure you’re aware, there are some things that we have taken out of a few shows that just... didn’t feel right for 2020.”
Responding to the controversy, a Channel 4 spokesperson told HuffPost UK: “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.”
Big Brother: Best Shows Ever was commissioned for E4 to celebrate the reality show’s upcoming 20th anniversary, which has seen it returning to its original home in the Channel 4 family.
It had aired on Channel 5 from 2011 to 2018 after it was axed by Channel 4 in 2010.
Big Brother: Best Shows Ever continues on Tuesday at 9pm on E4.
'Big Brother' Winners Through The Years
Craig Phillips(01 of18)
Open Image Modal
Craig won the first ever series of 'Big Brother', paving the way for over a decade more of bitching, sexual tension and arguing over the shopping budget. (credit:Sean Dempsey/PA Archive)
Brian Dowling(02 of18)
Open Image Modal
'Big Brother' really found its feet in series two, when former flight attendant Brian Dowling was crowned the winner. (credit:John Stillwell/PA Archive)
Kate Lawler(03 of18)
Open Image Modal
'Big Brother' had its first ever female winner in 2002, with Kate Lawler snatching the title. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Cameron Stout(04 of18)
Open Image Modal
Dubbed the most boring 'BB' ever, series four was eventually won by laugh-a-minute heartthrob, Cameron Stout. (credit:PA Archive)
Nadia Almada(05 of18)
Open Image Modal
In one of the best moments in 'BB' history, Nadia was moved to tears with the cheers from the crowd and fireworks that surrounded her as she was named the winner of 'Big Brother 5'. (credit:Andy Butterton/PA Archive)
Anthony Hutton(06 of18)
Open Image Modal
It isn't hard to see why the public chose Anthony as their winner in 2005... (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Pete Bennett(07 of18)
Open Image Modal
Pete's win was a typically understated one... (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Brian Belo(08 of18)
Open Image Modal
True, he didn't know who Shakespeare was, but Brian's endearing nature landed him the title of 'BB' winner in series eight. (credit:Stuart Wilson via Getty Images)
Rachel Rice(09 of18)
Open Image Modal
Good dress. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Sophie Reade(10 of18)
Open Image Modal
Sophie Reade was amazed when she was voted the winner of 'Big Brother 10', but the real star of the show was Davina McCall's quiff.10/10, Davina. Well done all concerned. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Josie Gibson(11 of18)
Open Image Modal
After winning 'Big Brother 11', Josie was quickly thrown back into the house when 'Ultimate Big Brother' started, but walked after a few days declaring "I'm not a celebrity I'm just normal".We suppose it was sharing a house with A-listers like Preston from the Ordinary Boys and Makosi that intimidated her so much. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Brian Dowling(12 of18)
Open Image Modal
The people's favourite, Brian triumphed over Nadia, Makosi, Josie and - bizarrely - Ulrika Jonsson to be crowned 'Ultimate Housemate'. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Aaron Allard-Morgan(13 of18)
Open Image Modal
In Channel 5's first crack at the 'BB' whip, Aaron Allard-Morgan was named the public's favourite and walked away with the cash prize. (credit:Nat Jag via Getty Images)
Luke Anderson(14 of18)
Open Image Modal
In 2012, 'BB' had one of its bitchiest years ever with the housemates basically turning on each other from the get go. Luke Anderson became the second ever transgender winner that year. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Sam Evans(15 of18)
Open Image Modal
In what turned out to be a vintage year for 'BB', Sam Evans was voted the winner. Since scooping the prize it's thought he's gone back to his old job at Debenhams. Living the dream. (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Helen Wood (16 of18)
Open Image Modal
Then there's Helen Wood. Well, what can we say? Her face says it all. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Chloe Wilburn (17 of18)
Open Image Modal
While the returning Nikki Grahame was obviously the star of the series, she wasn't eligible to win (sadly). Instead, the 'Timebomb'-themed run was won by normal lass Chloe. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Jason Burrill(18 of18)
Open Image Modal
In another shock win, Jason was crowned the champion of the 2017 run over bookies' favourite Hughie Morgan, much to the disgust of his ex-girlfriend and fellow housemate Charlie Doherty. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)