Carphone Warehouse not returning for 'BB8'

Carphone Warehouse has confirmed it has cut all links with Channel 4's Big Brother after the recent controversy surrounding Celebrity Big Brother.

The mobile phone retailer has sponsored the TV show for the past three years, but suspended sponsorship during the programme in January following allegations that Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty was being bullied by fellow contestants.

In a statement the company said: "We constantly review our sponsorship relationships and feel that, having suspended the sponsorship during this year's Celebrity Big Brother, now is a good time to look at the partnership again. We have concluded that the huge publicity around the show and our involvement within that means that now is the time for us to look for an alternative."

Channel 4 is now said to be in talks with other brands for the £2.5 million sponsorship package, which includes branding and advertising opportunities across TV, video-on-demand, online, radio and mobile.

The broadcaster hopes to announce a new sponsor within the next eight weeks.