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Davidson walks after TV gay row Davidson exits after TV gay row
(40 minutes later)
Comedian Jim Davidson has left ITV1's Hell's Kitchen by mutual consent after a row with contestant Brian Dowling. Comedian Jim Davidson has left ITV1's Hell's Kitchen after making what the channel called "unacceptable remarks".
His departure from the cookery reality show followed a row in which he used a gay epithet in the former Big Brother winner's presence. His departure from the cookery reality show followed a row in which he used a gay epithet in the presence of fellow contestant Brian Dowling.
Dowling objected to the term "shirt lifter," which he called "really rude".Dowling objected to the term "shirt lifter," which he called "really rude".
Davidson released a statement after his exit saying "the moment was right to leave". An ITV spokeswoman confirmed the comic had been asked to do so. An ITV spokeswoman said producers then asked him to leave the show. "ITV does not condone comments which could cause offence," she continued.
In a statement released after his exit, Davidson said "the moment was right to leave" but denied he was a homophobe.
Seven contestants remain in the show, which sees two teams of celebrities compete to impress award-winning chef Marco Pierre White.Seven contestants remain in the show, which sees two teams of celebrities compete to impress award-winning chef Marco Pierre White.
'Homophobic' Viewer complaints
The row began after Davidson complained about a "look" he'd been given by a table of diners.The row began after Davidson complained about a "look" he'd been given by a table of diners.
"Why do shirt lifters pull that same face?" he said, prompting Dowling to call him the "most offensive person he had ever met"."Why do shirt lifters pull that same face?" he said, prompting Dowling to call him the "most offensive person he had ever met".
The comedian later accused his fellow contestant of "playing the homophobic card".The comedian later accused his fellow contestant of "playing the homophobic card".
In his statement, Davidson admitted the show's pressurised atmosphere "did make me play up to the worst of my perceived image".In his statement, Davidson admitted the show's pressurised atmosphere "did make me play up to the worst of my perceived image".
"People who know me know I am not homophobic," he continued."People who know me know I am not homophobic," he continued.
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said it had received 46 complaints over Davidson's "bullying" of Dowling.Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said it had received 46 complaints over Davidson's "bullying" of Dowling.
Marco Pierre White's use of the word "pikey" in an edition of the programme last week had prompted 30 viewer complaints, it added.Marco Pierre White's use of the word "pikey" in an edition of the programme last week had prompted 30 viewer complaints, it added.