Ofcom’s investigation in to Celebrity Big Brother has found that Channel Four made “serious editorial misjudgements” which were “compounded by a serious failure of its compliance process”.

The media watchdog found C4 in breach of the Broadcasting Code on three occasions and has demanded that the channel broadcast an apology three times during the forthcoming series of Big Brother, which starts on 30 May.

Contestants Jade Goody and Jo O’Meara are claiming that Ofcom’s ruling vindicates their claims that reports of racism in the CBB house were exaggerated.

A statement from ex-S Club 7 singer Jo O’Meara’s agent said: “After reading the transcript released today, it is now clear that as Jo stated from the beginning, she did not intentionally make any racist comments and she apologised profusely if any remarks gave that impression or caused offence whilst in the house.

“Jo has maintained since she left the Big Brother house that she is not racist and she has a good relationship with her Indian cousin and family members.”

The statement goes on to claim that much of the footage shown throughout the series did not accurately reflect the events that took place in the house.

It continues: “Jo hopes that everyone has moved on and is getting on with their lives. She was left vulnerable and very ill after coming out of the Big Brother house and now wants be left to live her life away from the public eye and media spotlight. She has no intention of returning to the entertainment industry and does not envisage a future where she will sing again.”