Channel 4 has given assurances to Big Brother sponsor Carphone Warehouse that the situation surrounding allegations of racism and bullying in the house will not escalate further, according to The Guardian.

The newspaper reported that Carphone Warehouse CEO Charles Dunstone has called Channel 4 CEO Andy Duncan directly regarding the ongoing controversy, with the broadcaster pledging to "take necessary steps" - including the ejection of housemates - should any behaviour perceived as racist happen in the remainder of the series.

Carphone Warehouse is standing by Channel 4, having back-pedalled during the day from comments made by Dunstone in The Times that seemed to indicate that the company was considering pulling its sponsorship from the show. In a statement this afternoon, Carphone Warehouse said that it had "no intention" of pulling out of its deal with Channel 4 and reiterated that it was "against racism in any shape or form."

The Guardian's report also claims that the Carphone Warehouse has "received assurances from Channel 4 that it will tone down the casting and editing" of Big Brother.