The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Mumbai

Controversial British reality television personality Jade Goody has pulled out of the 'Bigg Boss' show in India after being diagnosed with cancer, reports said Tuesday. Indian news channels said Goody had told contestants on the show - the Indian version of 'Celebrity Big Brother' - that she has been diagnosed with cervical cancer.

NDTV said Goody, 27, abruptly flew out of India to return home for treatment, just days after arriving in the country's entertainment capital Mumbai. The media reports said she spoke to her doctor in Britain, then ran out in tears and announced to her housemates on the Indian show, "I have cancer."

Goody's appearance on the show came 18 months after she was accused of racism on British TV's 'Celebrity Big Brother' due to her taunting of Bollywood actress and fellow contestant Shilpa Shetty.

The former dental nurse was evicted from the British show by an audience vote. Shetty ultimately won the show.

Shetty is now working as host of 'Bigg Boss.'

Goody said before appearing on the show she was 'not proud' of her behaviour towards Shetty and that she had come to India determined to "win everyone's heart".