Shahbaz: 'I’ll sue BB for my breakdown'

Big Brother 7 contestant Shahbaz Chauhdry has threatened to sue Endemol, branding the reality television process "unethical".

Chauhdry threatened to kill himself while on the show, but claimed that his pleas went ignored by the producers.

He said: "I take responsibility for going to the auditions. But I do not accept responsibility for the ghastly aftermath. Big Brother took away two years of my life and I want Endemol to accept responsibility."

Talking about his life after the programme, he claimed: "I've had no work for a year, doors have been closed and I'm still on antidepressants and living on benefits. I wasn't made fully aware of the potential pitfalls beforehand - and I know the others weren't either."

The 37-year-old was heard to tell fellow contestants on the show: "I am a dead man walking. This is my last curtain call. I came here to die."

"I suffered in that house," he told The People. "I asked to leave and they said 'No'. I was under pressure but they didn't step in to help. They don't care if you're suffering as long as you have a personality and can help them boost ratings and callers to prime-rate phone numbers."

Of his imminent legal battle, he added: "I know it's like David v Goliath but I am very focused and bosses should be worried."

Endemol and Channel 4 said in a statement: "The welfare of all housemates is important to us. Robust procedures are in place to ensure a high level of care for housemates prior to, during and on leaving. We have not been contacted by Shahbaz saying he is now dissatisfied."