Exclusive: Big Brother's Will Best addresses Omar controversy - "There's a lot we don’t see"

Big Brother host Will Best has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding housemate Omar El Meyer, saying certain welfare-related "conversations" have not been aired. The new dad spoke exclusively to Digital Spy amidst training for this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing.

Earlier this week, Omar was seen being warned by producers about his behaviour and conduct towards fellow housemate Rhianna Collins.

Rhianna had ended their in-house relationship and later attempted to make peace with him, explaining that she was "going through it".

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Omar replied that she wasn't "mature enough" to speak to him about it, prompting Rhianna to say she felt dismissed. As their conversations continued, Big Brother intervened by calling Rhianna to the Diary Room to ask if she was okay.

Omar's conduct sparked thousands of Ofcom complaints and prompted charity Women's Aid to release a statement in which they said the show "risks presenting abuse as a form of entertainment".

Now, host Will has responded to recent calls for Omar to be removed from the house, telling Digital Spy: “There’s a lot that goes on that we don’t see, in terms of welfare for all of the housemates, decisions like that are very carefully considered.”

He continued: “There’s lots of conversations with Omar and other housemates that they wouldn't show, because it’s an entertainment show and you’re not making entertainment out of those elements.”

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“It will be handled in the appropriate way. I turn up and evict someone that’s as far as I go," he added.

On Wednesday's episode, Big Brother told Omar: "Big Brother wants to bring to your attention that at times, it appears that you are dismissing your fellow housemates' feelings and experiences, and not acknowledging the impact such behaviour could have on your fellow housemates and the viewing public."

After saying he has "done nothing but try to look out for [Rhianna]", "accommodate her" and "care for her", Omar said: "I did not walk in with any bad intentions or any malice and I didn't attempt to exercise anything malicious towards anyone. Like I said, I've acknowledged my housemate's feelings."

He later had a one-on-one with Rhianna in which he said he was "sorry if for whatever reason I have made you feel upset".

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge and Women's Aid can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247.

The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Big Brother airs on ITV2 and ITVX. Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.