During Thursday (4 January) night’s episode of the Channel 5 reality show, viewers saw the housemates discussing their names, with India joking she was named after her “mother’s favourite takeaway”.
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Ann Widdecombe referred to India Willoughby as 'he'
Channel 5
Remarking to the rest of the group, Ann said: “I think he is pulling your leg.”
India quickly corrected Ann on her misgendering, to which Ann responded: “Oh I beg your pardon.”
Fans later saw India confront Ann about the incident, telling her being misgendered “hurts”. However, India added she didn’t believe it was said intentionally or with malice.
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India corrected Ann on her misgendering of her
Channel 5
Nevertheless, some viewers branded Ann “offensive” and “disrespectful”, with some even going as far as to call her “transphobic”:
Ann’s misgendering of India followed an earlier conversation in which the former MP expressed the belief that gender reassignment surgery shouldn’t be available on the NHS.
She said: “The fact is that NHS can’t do everything, isn’t doing everything, and you’ve got to ask yourself what the priorities should be.
“Priorities are fine, as long as you’re not the one implementing them.”
When India pointed out many trans people can feel suicidal about being trapped in the wrong body and surgery may help save their lives, Ann continued: “But you still don’t have a lot of people getting what they need. And therefore you do have to face things and say ‘anything that everyone’s going through is the world to them, what do we as a society have to make priority if you cannot do everything?’”
‘Celebrity Big Brother’ continues on Friday at 9pm on Channel 5.
Meet The Men Rumoured For This Year's 'Celebrity Big Brother'
John Barnes(01 of11)
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Who is he? Footballing legend who also enjoyed brief success as a rapper.
What's the rumour? There's no rumour - Channel 5 has already named John as one of eight men taking part in this January's series. (credit:Channel 5)
Jonny Mitchell(02 of11)
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Who is he? The biggest heartbreaker from 2017's series of 'Love Island'.
What's the rumour? In December, The Sun named Jonny as the first "confirmed" male housemate of the new 'CBB', before any other men were rumoured. (credit:ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)
Courtney Act(03 of11)
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Who is she? The alias of drag performer Shane Gilberto Jenek, who you might remember as a finalist on the sixth series of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'. She's now a member of drag trio the AAA Girls (along with Willam Belli and Alaska Thunderfuck), who recently starred in Little Mix's 'Power' video.
What's the rumour? After John Barnes was confirmed, The Sun quoted an insider as saying: "Courtney has seen everything as a drag queen so nothing will faze her in the house.
"She’s a pro who won’t be intimidated by any of the big personalities in there and she won’t back down from a row." (credit:Ethan Miller via Getty Images)
Shane Lynch(04 of11)
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Who is he? A member of Irish pop group Boyzone.
What's the rumour? The Sun claimed that he'd signed up shortly after John Barnes was confirmed. If he is on the line-up, he'll be able to take advice from Edele Lynch and Keith Duffy, both of whom have appeared on 'CBB' in the past. (credit:Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images)
Dapper Laughs(05 of11)
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Who is he? Ergh
What's the rumour? Ergh (credit:Mark Robert Milan via Getty Images)
Andrew Brady(06 of11)
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Who is he? A candidate on last year's 'Apprentice', who caught some viewers' eyes for reasons other than his business prowess.
What's the rumour? In December, The Sun named him as a possible contender, and now that rumours former competitor Elizabeth was taking part have proved to be false, we reckon we could easily see him in the house. (credit:BBC)
Rodrigo Alves(07 of11)
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Who is he? The plastic surgery lover dubbed the "human Ken doll" in the media.
What's the rumour? Rodrigo was forced to pull out of last summer's series for health reasons, but having now recovered, he's free to join the show in January 2018. (credit:HGL via Getty Images)
Ginuwine(08 of11)
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Who is he? R&B singer, as known for having nine children as he is for his musical contribution.
What's the rumour? A noted charmer, The Sun claimed that producers hoped to sign him up in the hope that he could woo one of the women in the house. (credit:Leon Bennett via Getty Images)
Pete Wicks(09 of11)
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Who is he? 'TOWIE' cast member who hit headlines thanks to his fiery relationship with Megan McKenna.
What's the rumour? Pete has been rumoured for 'Celebrity Big Brother' numerous times, with Digital Spy naming him as a potential late addition when men start arriving in the house. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Nathan Henry(10 of11)
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Who is he? 'Geordie Shore' cast member, who was the first LGBT+ person to join the outrageous MTV reality show.
What's the rumour? Like Pete Wicks, Nathan was tipped for last year's series, and seems to have cropped up on a lot of media outlets' lists of rumoured contestants as if from nowhere.
The week the series launched, he did tweet that he had "so many things in the pipeline" in 2018, so it could be a case of "watch this space"... (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Scott Disick(11 of11)
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Who is he? Star of 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians', best known for his tumultuous party lifestyle and on-off relationship with Kourtney.
What's the rumour? Unsurprisingly, The Sun's rumour claims that Scott was approached for the show, but turned it down when bosses refused to fly him and girlfriend Sofia Richie to the UK in a private yet. Imagine Malika's face if he did suddenly turn up, though..? (credit:Getty Images for Sugar Factory)