Former Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant has been accused of "slipping into” Islamophobia during a speech about immigration on Celebrity Big Brother.
Talk show host Trisha Goddard, 67, clashed with the 74-year-old politician during Friday night's episode of the ITV reality show.
The heated exchange occurred when Fabricant was tasked with delivering an original speech to housemates as part of a challenge to keep the house's electricity supply on.
Goddard interrupted Fabricant's remarks about immigration, warning him his comments were "getting dangerous".
The former Lichfield MP later became the first housemate to be eliminated, leaving some viewers fuming as Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke and Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd were saved from the boot.
Fabricant delivered a speech to his fellow housemates
ITV
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During his speech, Fabricant addressed the thorny issue of immigration after being prompted by housemates.
"My surname is French and I'm of Jewish extraction so I'm a real immigrant," he told the house.
He continued: "The point I'm making is Jewish people, when they usually come to this country, believe 'do in Rome as the Romans do'."
Fabricant then added: "So not come to this country if your aim is to change everyone to your way of thinking."
It was at this point Goddard interjected, asking: "Hang on, are you slipping into Islamophobia?"
"Who mentioned Islamophobia?" Fabricant responded.
Goddard insisted: "It's getting dangerous."
Goddard took issue with what the former MP's speech was implying
ITV
Fabricant defended himself, saying: "No don't misunderstand me. I've tried to explain this country has benefited from wave upon wave of immigration."
Several housemates came to Fabricant's defence following the tense exchange.
Chesney Hawkes told the former MP: "I don't know why Trisha went into the Islamophobia thing. I thought that was a bit weird, because you weren't talking about that."
Love Island star Chris Hughes also offered support, saying: "You didn't say anything Islamophobic. You did good up there, well done."
Some viewers were also unhappy with Goddard’s verdict on the former MP’s speech – with a handful even calling for her to be evicted next on social media.
The kettle watching everyone run towards it because they want to get away from Michael's speech like 👁️👄👁️ #CBBUK pic.twitter.com/7X58FhnujK
— Celebrity Big Brother UK (@bbuk) April 11, 2025
“#Trisha putting flames on the fire. Michael didn’t mention Islam at all. She made a big thing out of it,” one wrote on X.
Another shared: “I don't even like Michael Fabricant, but no, that wasn't Islamophobia. That's coming from me, a Muslim. I want Trisha up next."
“Trisha just went below Mickey on my list. Michael didn't mention islamophobia,” a third slammed.
However, others came out in support of Goddard and agreed with her assessment of Fabticant’s speech.
“My qween Trisha pulling Michael up on his speech as it started becoming more and more Islamophobic while talking about immigrants was amazing to see! And tbf I felt like it was heading in that direction,” one declared.
