Shahbaz Chauhdry: 'BB gives me nightmares'

Shahbaz Chauhdry has revealed that his Big Brother stint three years ago still gives him nightmares.

The 40-year-old left the house after six days after not bonding with his fellow housemates and discussing his unhappiness in the diary room.

He told The Times: "Just a couple of days ago I woke up in cold sweats. I have nightmares about being trapped in the Big Brother house, where I have no control."

The producers of the show interpreted his behaviour as suicidal and he was removed from the house for his own safety.

Chauhdry concedes that his confessions in the diary room could reasonably have led to the show's producers being concerned for his health, though he denies he was on the verge of taking his own life.

He remembers thinking: "I'm in front of millions of people here, the Muslim community doesn't exactly relish people talking openly about homosexuality.

"This exposure could leave me with no options but to commit suicide if it all goes horribly wrong."

Chauhdry concluded that he does not believe there is enough support for people who appear on reality TV shows.

His revelation comes after Britain's Got Talent contestant Susan Boyle was recently admitted into the Priory rehabilitation clinic, raising concern about the treatment of reality TV contestants.