Viewers raise concerns over the mental health of stars on Celebrity Big Brother

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Sarah HardingImage source, REX/Shutterstock

Viewers of Celebrity Big Brother have raised concerns over the wellbeing of some contestants on the show.

Ex-Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding, who was treated for alcoholism in 2011, was seen drinking on the show and reacting badly.

She bit fellow contestant and X Factor singer Amelia Lily's leg, which raised fears among some fans.

Hollyoaks' Paul Danan has also had problems with alcohol but was heard begging for a "whisky and coke".

Image source, REX/Shutterstock

Ofcom has received seven complaints about concerns for Sarah's mental health and two complaints relating to her use of alcohol on the show.

Newsbeat contacted the Channel 5 show, who said in a statement: "Big Brother constantly monitors housemates and their behaviour."

People on Twitter have been voicing their concerns.

Alex Cheney tweeted: "Sarah Harding has been incredibly open & inspiring about her battles with mental health problems. Disgusting to see it used against her #CBB.", external

Sarah was seen crying to Big Brother on Monday night's show about the stress of being in the house, speaking privately in the diary room.

Brandi Glanville from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is also appearing in the show and privately said she didn't think Sarah was "stable" enough to be in the house.

She said: "I don't think Sarah is stable enough for this environment. I really like Sarah a lot. I'm concerned for her wellbeing."

Martin Knight tweeted: "Putting Sarah Harding, a fragile, recovering alcoholic in a highly-charged environment greased with alcohol a bit cruel #CBBUK"., external

Brandi's comments were played out to the rest of the house, including Sarah.

She responded saying: "I tried to stay positive the whole time. They ask me what's wrong and I tell them I've had a headache for three days and I'm not used to being in an environment like this.

"I just don't feel I belong here any more."

Image source, Getty Images

Sarah's also had several run-ins with fellow housemate Paul Danan, who battled drug and alcohol addiction in 2006 and 2007.

He accused Sarah of being "unstable" and an "attention seeker" on the show.

Em tweeted: "#CBB has shown what it's like when people don't know about Mental Health, poor Sarah. They need to realise she is struggling, it's obvious.", external

An Ofcom spokesperson told Newsbeat: "We will assess these complaints before deciding whether or not to investigate."

Newsbeat has also asked Channel 5 for comment.

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