[Loukas]

Disgraced TV funnyman Justin Lee Collins has said that he will not be taking part in Channel 5′s new series of Celebrity Big Brother.

Earlier this month it was reported that the former Friday Night Project host had been offered £100,000 to become a housemate, just months after being convicted of harrassment towards his ex-girlfriend, Anna Larke.

Larke’s brother responded by launching a campaign against the move, claiming that it would ‘trivialise domestic abuse’. His petition has since attracted 2,400 signatures.

However, in a statement today, a spokesperson for Collins said: “There has been much speculation about whether Justin Lee Collins will be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.

“He was approached by the programme and although he was thrilled to have been asked, he declined the offer several weeks ago.”

They added: “To be clear, this decision is in no way connected to Alex Larke’s petition.”

Larke told The Huffington Post UK that she is ‘delighted’ by the news, commenting: “I’m just so relieved because it would have sent out the wrong message to everyone.”

Collins is said to be looking for ways to revive his career following his conviction, which saw him sentenced to 140 hours of community service on one charge of causing fear of violence. Larke, a recovering alcoholic, claimed he mentally and physically abused her during their relationship.

Other names rumoured to be taking part in CBB, which returns on January 3rd, include Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, Katie Price and Rylan Clark.

Source - BBSPY