'Celebrity Big Brother' tells David Bowie’s ex-wife about his death off air

 By 
Blathnaid Healy
 on 
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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

UPDATED 4:30 p.m. GMT to reflect new statement from Channel 5

LONDON -- David Bowie's ex-wife, Angie Bowie, who is a contestant in the current series of UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother, has been told about his death off camera, Channel 5 has confirmed Monday afternoon.

American actress, model and author Angie, who was married to Bowie for a decade, has been in the house since the new series began last week. The 66-year-old was told hours after his death became public by her representatives.

She has decided to continue with the programme and stay in the house following the news.

"The decision to remain in the House is entirely her choice, and she has been given the option to leave at any time if she changes her mind. Appropriate support will be available to Angie at any time if needed," Channel 5 said in an emailed statement.

The live stream of the show was not available online on Monday morning.

Angie's only child with Bowie, filmmaker son Duncan Jones, confirmed news of his father's death in a tweet Monday morning, saying he was "very sorry and sad to say it's true."

During her time in the Celebrity Big Brother house, Angie told fellow contestants she was no longer in contact with the singer following their 1980 divorce.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

In her official biography on the show's website, Angie said she decided to do the show to promote her books.

"I've been asked to do a hundreds of them in the States but I've said 'no' every time. I just wanted to do the biggest and the best," she said.

BONUS: Remembering the music of David Bowie across 6 decades

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