Already the Tourette Syndrome Association in Britian has expressed serious reservations about the inclusion of housemate Pete Bennett who has a severe case of the genetic condition which causes sufferers to burst into uncontrollable fits of swearing or twitching.

So far in the house this has been the source of much amusement, although one housemate did point out that it might not be so much fun if it keeps them awake in their communal bedroom. To see Pete struggle to contain his cursing and animal noises made for uncomfortable viewing in the opening days of the show. Tourette Syndrome Association president Roy Hillard has accused Channel Four of "exploiting" Bennett for ratings and claimed that they had chosen a person with strong symptoms to make him a "figure of fun".

He pointed out that 90% of Touretters are not like that and he was worried that the condition was being parodied.

Channel Four . . . which claimed a record audience of seven million for the opening night of Big Brother . . . has dismissed the criticisms, saying that it hoped to inspire and help others by including Pete in the show. Overall, it appears that for the seventh series the stakes are even higher and the boundaries of taste are set to be stretched further than ever before. Expect extensive nudity, much talk of sexual frustration and perhaps even a live sex show on a TV set near you over the next 16 weeks.