Big Brother warned on former police officer contestant
Police have warned Channel 5 about the risks of having a former police officer as a contestant on Big Brother.
The Daily Star has reported that the ex-detective constable played a key role in Operation Yewtree, the inquiry following the Jimmy Savile allegations.
Scotland Yard wrote to Channel 5 about the broadcaster's responsibility in connection with live investigations.
Channel 5 said procedures were in place to ensure that nothing problematic would be broadcast.
A Yard spokesman said: "We are aware of reports concerning the proposed media appearance of a former detective constable.
"We have been in contact with Channel 5 and made them fully aware of potential risks and their responsibility to live investigations.
"All officers joining the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) and leaving the MPS are required to sign the Official Secrets Act."
The former officer is reportedly expected to enter the Big Brother house on Friday; the new series started on Thursday when the first contestants arrived.
Channel 5 uses time delays to ensure unsuitable material does not go out on air.
A spokesman for the broadcaster said: "Channel 5 takes its obligations as a broadcaster seriously and, as has been made clear to New Scotland Yard, extensive procedures are in place to ensure that nothing will be broadcast during the course of Big Brother which would involve the former police officer breaching confidentiality, invading the privacy of others, committing libel or a contempt of court."
The Daily Star is owned by Richard Desmond, who also owns Channel 5.