Fans took to Twitter to condemn the Channel 5 series for “taking the p***” out of mental health and being “disrespectful” to those that suffer.
The latest season was slammed online for asking the former EastEnders actor to pretend he had a “severe case” of nerves.
After entering the house first before being called to the diary room, the 51-year-old was told: “As each of your fellow Celebrity housemates enter the Big Brother house, it must be instantly noticeable that you are suffering from a severe case of first night nerves.
“In fact, the more housemates that enter, the more your nerves should escalate. As well as showcasing your inner angst at all times, Big Brother is also going to give you a series of nerve wracking challenges.”
Big Brother added: “As if nerves weren’t bad enough, you’ll be hearing voices in your head as Big Brother will be talking to you secretly through an ear piece.”
However, some of those watching at home were left angered by the challenge and took to the micro-blogging site to air their views.
“Taking the p*** out of mental illness well done *eye roll* mental health is NO ACT #CBB #mentalhealth #1in4,”(sic) one user tweeted.
Someone else agreed: “So #CBB are mocking a genuine mental health issue two minutes in as if I needed another reminder that this show is trash.”
Two others posted: “Using mental health for entertainment, really? #CBB #shaun,” and: “Really CBB… making an actor act anxious and then hearing voices… really disrespectful to people with mental health problems #CBB.”
“I’m really not digging this whole #CBB task I feel it’s making a mockery of those with genuine anxiety and other mental health issues,” a fifth wrote.
Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for Channel 5 asking for comment.
Celebrity Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on Channel 5.
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