Roxanne Pallett leaves Celebrity Big Brother house after domestic violence claim
Roxanne Pallett faced a backlash on social media after claiming Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas punched her in the ribs.
Sunday 2 September 2018 14:47, UK
Roxanne Pallet has left the Celebrity Big Brother house after a row over an alleged punch by another contestant, Channel 5 has said.
The departure of the ex-Emmerdale star, 35, follows her claim that former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas, 34, punched her during a play fight.
Her reaction sparked thousands of complaints from viewers.
A CBB spokesman said: "Roxanne has decided to leave the BB House. The remaining housemates have been informed."
Pallett told producers Thomas punched her "repeatedly, unprovoked", adding in tears: "He actually punched me like a boxer would punch a bag. And we weren't play fighting, there was no banter, it wasn't a joke."
She later slept in a separate bedroom from her fellow contestants, saying it was "because I felt uncomfortable, because Ryan assaulted me". She also said she was "in pain all night".
Thomas, who was given a formal warning for physical contact by Big Brother, apologised for his actions saying there was no "malice" intended.
The pair later spoke about the incident, and Thomas told Pallett: "I want you to know from the bottom of my heart I was showing my affection.
"Maybe it came across the wrong way. I promise you, you've got it wrong and I apologise if it has come across that way."
The pair later agreed to put the incident behind them and shook hands.
Media watchdog OFCOM received 11,215 complaints over the episode - thought to be about Pallett's reaction - and is deciding whether to investigate.
A backlash on social media also saw scores of Twitter users come to Ryan's defence, with many commenting on how the allegation damages real crimes against women.
Pallett's Twitter account was later deleted.
Pallett is the second star from this year's series to leave without being evicted, following the removal of Rodrigo Alves.
The 35-year-old Brazilian reality star was given a formal warning after using racist language.
He later told The Sun he quit because he "could not cope without his mobile phone".