'Big Brother' Host Emma Willis Admits She 'Couldn't Hide' Her Feelings During *That* Roxanne Pallett Interview

"When serious s*** happens... you've got to be able to ask the questions everybody is thinking."

Emma Willis has spoken out about her much-discussed interview with former ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ housemate Roxanne Pallett.

Emma was one of two interviewers who got the chance to speak to Roxanne following her ‘CBB’ exit, which came after she admitted she’d exaggerated allegations that fellow contestant Ryan Thomas had punched her repeatedly in the ribs.

The interview made headlines thanks to Emma’s tough line of questioning, as well as her no-nonsense facial expressions throughout the interview.

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Viewers commented on Emma's stern expression throughout the interview
Channel 5

Reflecting on the interview, she told You magazine: “I’ve never tried to impose my view on the audience, but when something like this happens, something that felt so wrong, I couldn’t hide my own opinions.

“Sometimes we do have light, fluffy chats about people in the ‘Big Brother’ house and then sometimes really serious shit happens in there and you’ve got to be able to ask the questions everybody is thinking.”

Discussing the media storm that Roxanne was at the centre of, Emma admitted: “I was shocked at what unfolded – it was almost like a plot from a soap opera.

“Thank God there were cameras, because it could have ruined Ryan, such was the gravity of the situation.”

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Roxanne Pallett
Channel 5

While Emma was lauded for her interview technique, broadcaster Jeremy Vine was criticised by some viewers for his lighter approach when Roxanne was on his daytime show, which he later said was because he feared for her mental state.

Since the incident, Ryan was crowned ‘CBB’ winner - possibly the last ever - while Roxanne has retreated from the spotlight and pulled out of both her regular radio presenting job and an upcoming pantomime role.

CBB's 1st Housemates - Where Are They Now?
Boxer Chris Eubank.(01 of12)
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Boxer Chris, despite showing a softer side than we were used to in the ring, was still the first to be evicted from the house. (credit:PA)
Chris Eubank(02 of12)
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Chris Eubank has recently shown his best side again in the jungle for 'I'm A Celebrity...' and continues to champion his son's boxing career. (credit:PA)
Vanessa Feltz(03 of12)
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Vanessa Feltz was the second celebrity to leave the house. Being nominated for eviction upset her, and she took to drawing with chalk on the counter. (credit:Celebrity Big Brother)
Vanessa Feltz(04 of12)
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Vanessa Feltz presents regularly on radio and TV. (credit:PA)
Anthea Turner(05 of12)
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Anthea Turner was the third person to be evicted. She was welcomed out of the house by her husband Grant Bovey. (credit:PA)
Anthea Turner(06 of12)
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Anthea Turner continues to present on TV. She is now divorced from Grant Bovey. (credit:PA)
Keith Duffy(07 of12)
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Boyzone singer Keith Duffy was the fourth to be evicted. (credit:PA)
Keith Duffy(08 of12)
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Keith Duffy recently announced plans to join forces with former Westlife singer Brian McFadden, to perform as "supergroup" Boyzlife. (credit:PA)
Claire Sweeney(09 of12)
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Formerly best known for her role in 'Brookside', Claire Sweeney was the runner up, and the second-last to leave the house. (credit:PA)
Claire Sweeney(10 of12)
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Claire has become a stalwart of the West End stage, as well as performing in pantomime, and penning her own stageplays. (credit:PA)
Jack Dee(11 of12)
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Jack Dee was a reluctant housemate, breaking out to meet his wife. He was then escorted back inside. (credit:PA)
Jack Dee(12 of12)
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Winner of the first series, Jack Dee continues to perform stand-up comedy, and is an author and regular guest on TV and radio shows. (credit:PA)