Channel 4 have apparantly stated that they won't be getting rid of any of their execs and have revealed that Big Brother will remain on air, despite recent controversy. There was no reply to accusations that the channel had a "duty of care" to Jade Goody, who has been taken to the point of suicide by the debate.What's more, they only swore for a "lightweight" review “to identify any lessons that can be learned”.The British tabloids have disclosed that the big bosses are now hoping that Shilpa Shetty wins Celeb Big Brother this year.A source is quoted in the Sun newspaper as saying of the actress:“If she describes her experience as positive then the row will be significantly defused as far as we’re concerned.” Channel 4's answer to the row was revealed by chairman Luke Johnson after a three-hour board meeting.Mr Johnson also said:“The board recognises the events of the last week have provoked an unprecedented level of public complaint. We believe this has triggered an important debate.“Clearly many people were worried and offended. I want to reassure them we take the views of our audience very seriously and profoundly regret any offence that may have been caused.”

However he also added: “The programme remains on air for a further week and the channel is focused on its completion.”

Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, argued that if Mr Johnson was not punished the board should be put before the Government.

And ex-minister Keith Vaz commented that the board “is on a different planet from the rest of us”.

The Labour MP also remarked: “Even Jade Goody admits the remarks she made were racist. It seems the only people who won’t say so are those on the board of Channel 4.”

Mr Vaz also slagged off Andy Duncan, the chief executive of the station, for not stepping in as complaints poured in.

The Channel 4 meeting arrived just hours after board member Lord Putnam cautioned the station's head honchos to look after Jade.

The film producer said: “There is a massive duty of care issue here. Channel 4 created a difficult situation, now they have to look after it.

Tagged in