Shetty saddened by Goody illness

Rex Features

Shilpa Shetty has expressed her sadness over Jade Goody's cancer diagnosis.

Goody recently joined the Indian Big Brother, titled Big Boss, but left after receiving the news that she had cervical cancer yesterday.

Shetty, who clashed with Goody on last year's Celebrity Big Brother, told the Associated Press in a text message: "I was really sad when I heard the news. It's a tough time for her and I hope she is able to cope with this pain."

Prior to entering Big Boss, Goody said: "The people of India have only seen a small part of me and I'd like to show them that there is more to me. I'm a mother of two, a businesswoman. I can't be all that bad."