David Bowie’s ex-wife Angie Bowie was reduced to tears after she learned of her former husband’s passing on the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother on Monday night.
Angie, 66, is currently a contestant on the reality show and broadcaster Channel Five aired footage of the former model distraught after being told off-camera that the singer had died after a secret 18-month battle with cancer.
“I haven’t seen him in so many years I can’t make a big drama about it but I feel an era has ended,” said Angie, who was married to the British rocker from 1970 until 1980.
“I’m so very sad.”
After leaving the diary room Angie, whose biggest claim to fame is that she was once married to David Bowie, was comforted by fellow housemates but told producers she would like to remain in the house.
“Stardust is gone,” she later added, a reference to Bowie’s 1972 album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust.
1973: Pop singer David Bowie is seen off at the station by his wife Angie. (Getty)
Many Big Brother viewers seem to be appalled that the ex-wife’s tears are being used in in episodes and promotions for the show.
The UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, said on Monday that it had received 13 complaints about the episode and Angie, who previously said she was estranged from her ex and hadn’t spoken to him in over 40 years, has also come under fire for her decision to stay on the show.
Angie’s manager Ray Santilli defended his client’s choice to remain a contestant.
“She had plenty of time to consider her position,” he told British radio. “She made the decision to go back in the house, she made the decision to be interviewed afterwards.”
“Obviously when Big Brother was talking to her and asking questions, it is emotional. The whole Big Brother experience is emotional and she knew that before she went in to the house.
“Channel 5 have been magnificent. They’ve left it entirely up to her to make the decision. She had no pressure.”
2.1 million viewers watched Monday’s episode of Celebrity Big Brother.
VIDEO: David Bowie, the music legend, dies aged 69
