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As the crowd dispersed outside, the celebrities were briefed inside, ready to face the waiting press.

Backstage, the impending interview with model Lloyd was the main talking-point among journalists.

Speculation over the breakdown of her relationship with footballer Teddy Sheringham, and the collapse of several modelling contracts, were top of the list of questions that were going to be put to her.

The opportunity to have Lloyd on the spot was denied however, as the decision was made that neither Goody's boyfriend, Jack Tweed, nor Lloyd would be making an appearance at the press conference.

The other four housemates, Dirk Benedict, Ian 'H' Watkins, Jermaine Jackson and Shetty herself, did attend though.

Unsurprisingly, it was Shetty who dominated the interviews, with everyone wanting to know how she felt about Goody and the controversy she has been blamed for causing.

Surprise appearance

"It may have seemed like it was bad, but I can say that Jade is not a bad person, she's just young," she said.

Benedict was also quick to defend the mother of two.

When all the housemates were asked how different they thought the show would have been if Goody had not entered, Benedict said: "I think they [Channel 4] would not have had a very interesting show.


"None of you people would have had any questions without Jade, so you all ought to give her a big thank you. Without her, the press would have been dead meat," he added.

It was, however, the surprise arrival of Lloyd which overshadowed anything else the other celebrities had said.

Taking a seat next to Shetty, and holding her hand, a tearful and subdued Lloyd faced the journalists.

Apology

"I would like to apologise to everybody for the words that I have said. They were never, never, ever meant to be racist. I think Shilpa is a fantastic, beautiful lady," she said.

As she became more upset during her apology, it was Shetty who stepped in to defend her.

"She's gorgeous, not just from the outside, but also from the inside," she said.

Benedict also leapt to the model's defence.


Jade Goody apologised to Shilpa for her behaviour

"This is a sweet, young girl. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body, this is ridiculous," he said.

After her brief appearance, Lloyd was swept off to avoid any more questions.

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