Chancellor Gordon Brown has joined in the debate over alleged racist bullying on Celebrity Big Brother.

During a visit to India, where street protests have been held against the treatment of Indian actress Shilpa Shetty in the house, Brown said he had heard about the volume of complaints regarding the programme.

He said: "I want Britain to be seen as a country of fairness and tolerance. Anything detracting from this I condemn."

Treasury Minister Ed Balls earlier told BBC Two's Daily Politics programme that the suggestion of racism in the UK projected an "appalling" image around the world.

The Indian government is apparently waiting for a report on the programme and could raise the matter with the UK.