Big Brother scandal: Andrew Tate faces losing place over Cheryl Fernandez-Versini racist remarks

Kickboxer Andrew Tate may get the boot from the Big Brother house after his racist and homophobic remarks involving singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini were exposed. The 29-year-old sportsman, who hails from Chicago, is competing in the 2016 series as an "other" housemate, but could lose his place after the new revelations.

The BB contestant sent an abusive message to former X Factor judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in 2012 via social media sharing site Twitter, writing: "Cheryl Cole is a massive w*g socket."

He followed it up with another tweet shortly afterwards, adding: "@ChiaraRomano89 Chiara Romano and Cheryl Cole are both massive w*g sockets."

The American-British cruiserweight and three-time heavyweight ISKA Kickboxing world champion also tweeted several more offensive messages of a racist and homophobic nature.

These include: "F**K running the final if I wanted to see black people running id just threaten them with jobs," and "The racist lady on the train is right."

Another homophobic message read: "They are teaching gay issues to 7-yr old kids. BY LAW. A pure homosexual cannot reproduce, so they need your children for new partners. OK."

Fans have called for the BB contestant to be removed from the house, with one viewer tweeting: "Everyone retweet Andrew is a racist homophobe we want him removed!" while another wrote: "I hope they kick Andrew out for being racist. It will be hilarious. #mixedrace #bbuk #blackdad".

Tate's brother Tristan has leapt to the housemate's defence, revealing their father was black. He said: "Andrew is well aware he won't win. He knows it's public vote and knows the public won't like him. Don't get it wrong. BBUK BigBrother."

He continued: "#Bbandew exposed. He tweeted a black joke in 2012 hes racist. We both are. Google our dad "Emory Tate" he was a Klan member. #bbuk #rip #kkk."

Regarding derogatory behaviour on the Channel 5 show, a Big Brother spokesperson said: "Big Brother does not condone any kind of racist or homophobic behaviour in the House. If offensive comments of that sort are made in the house, Big Brother will deal with them appropriately, in accordance with its long-standing protocols."

Tate's late father, Emory, was a late chess master and commentator for Real Xtreme Fighting, the largest MMA promotion in Romania. Tate won the first of three ISKA Kickboxing titles in Derby on 25 April 2009. His part in Big Brother as one of 'The Others' is designed to insert fear and anxiety into the real housemates as they bid to usurp rival contestants in the main house.

Big Brother continues tonight (10 June) on Channel 5 at 9pm.