'Big Brother' star Marsh being bullied, say parents

Before the glamour model Jodie Marsh went into the Celebrity Big Brother house, she chose to represent the children's charity Beatbullying during her time on the reality television show. The 27-year-old Essex girl backs the charity because of the playground taunts she suffered at school, which left her so miserable she contemplated suicide.

So it is a cruel irony that fears are now being voiced about whether Marsh is being bullied on the show, in which she has become increasingly ostracised by her fellow housemates, including George Galloway MP, Michael Barrymore and the cross dressing former Dead or Alive singer Pete Burns.

Beatbullying has received 792 e-mails and phone calls from people concerned about Marsh's treatment in the house. A spokesman for the charity said: "Many of them are very worried about some of the treatment Jodie is going through. We will continue to support Jodie through her journey. We know Jodie is strong and will stand up against bullies whenever she meets them."

Marsh's mother Kristina and father John have said on GMTV that their daughter would compare her time on the show to her experience of being bullied at school. Mrs Marsh said: "There was one strong person at school - exactly like George Galloway - who turned everyone against her. I don't know how much longer she will be able to cope with that."

Mr Marsh added: "This is Jodie's job. She was looking forward to going in. We didn't expect her to be bullied by three middle-aged men, one of which is a third-rate politician who claims to be a gentleman, when he isn't."