Keighley MP Ann Cryer has waded into the Big Brother row, demanding TV bosses step in and put an end to allegations of racial abuse.

More than 14,500 complaints have been received by TV regulator Ofcom and a further 2,000 directly to Channel 4 over the treatment of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, pictured - a record for a television broadcast.

Mrs Cryer has joined the outcry over the alleged "racist bullying" of the Indian star and said the show's producers had a duty not only to protect the contestants but the public - and many young influential people who watch the popular show.

She said she feared young people watching the show could think the behaviour was acceptable and demanded producers either put an end to the abuse, or throw out the contestants causing the alleged trouble.

Mrs Cryer (Lab) said: "I have only ever watched it once and that was to see the disgraceful antics of George Galloway MP and I have no wish to watch it again. But I have grandsons who watch it. They are aware of what is acceptable behaviour and they will be upset by it. I know my constituents joke about themselves sometimes but that is their in joke' and they can do it."

Yesterday during Prime Minister's Question Time Tony Blair said Britons "should oppose racism in all its forms" but could not comment on the programme because he had not seen it.

Gordon Brown's right hand man Ed Balls said the suggestion of racism in the UK projected an "appalling" image around the world.

The Indian government could also raise the matter with the UK after it receives a report on the content of the show.

Mrs Cryer has signed an early day motion put down by Labour colleague Keith Vaz demanding producers step in and remind contestants racist behaviour is unacceptable.