Why Big Brother contestant is still on tonight's show despite removed with 'immediate effect'

Big Brother contestant George Gilbert has been removed from the house with ‘immediate effect’; however, he will still be shown in tonight’s episode.

The contestant has been highly controversial since entering the Big Brother house, receiving multiple warnings.

Most of these were off-screen; however, one was given in an on-TV warning after he appeared to mock fellow housemate Sam Ashby, who was left in tears.

George seemingly made fun of Sam, who is an LGBTQ+ rights activist, during a game of truth or dare when he was asked what his least favourite quality of his fellow contestants was, imitating him with limp wrists and a high-pitched voice.

Another incident following this, which has yet to be confirmed, led ITV to decide to pull George from the house for his ‘repeated use of unacceptable language’.

George Gilbert was removed from Big Brother due to 'repeated use of unacceptable language' (ITV)

Despite this, though, and ITV’s claim that he was removed with ‘immediate effect’, George will be appearing on tonight’s episode of the show.

Many fans questioned why it wasn't addressed and that he was in the episode, with one viewer tweeting: "Really weird that they didn’t address the George exit at all in the main show - not even during the credits to let audiences know the vote it closed for now.

"ITV really hate being transparent and that’s concerning for a show like Big Brother."

George appeared in the episode because shows are pre-filmed and edited before going live. While he will appear in tonight's episode, his comments won't be included due to them violating broadcasting standards.

ITV have stated that the incident that led to George’s removal will not be included in the episode and that tonight will be his last on the show.

Meanwhile, the actor has spoken out about his removal, as he told Metro: “As a flag bearer of freedom of speech, I never hesitate to discuss and question any topic regardless of how contentious it may be.

"Sadly, the boundaries of what is deemed offensive are subjective, and I evidently went too far this time by crossing their line one too many times.

George has since responded following his removal (ITV)

“It is a shame that specific debate could not be had and that it has had to end like this. Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me.”

When George mocked Sam, imitating limp wrists, he was dragged into the Diary Room and asked if he recognised why what he had said would be 'offensive to Sam, your housemates and the viewing public'.

George said that he had apologised to Sam for the comments and that they had since discussed it, adding: "I don’t want to make anyone feel like that, so I will be walking on eggshells around Sam from here on in."

The incident with Sam was not the only controversial statement made by George during the show.

In a moment that went viral on social media, George made a comment surrounding homelessness, saying: "You’re not gonna like me for saying this but you are in charge for your own actions. They know drugs are bad, so stop deflecting the responsibility."