Jim leaves Hell's Kitchen

Jim Davidson has left reality show Hell’s Kitchen after making homophobic comments.

He will no longer be appearing on the ITV1 show after he called gay people ‘shirtlifters’, and reduced former Big Brother star Brian Dowling to tears.

When Dowling, who is homosexual, complained about the comic’s attitude, Davidson ranted: ‘Go on. You play the whole homophobic card — you are a fucking disgrace.’

The incident started after the 53-year-old stand-up complained about a group of diners at the restaurant the celebrities are working at.

‘Why do shirtlifters pull that same face?’ he asked.

‘Please don’t say shirt-lifters,’ Dowling replied. ‘It’s really rude.’

Davidson: ‘I don’t care. Some gay men have the same look.’

Dowling: ‘What look? Do I have that look?’

Davidson: ‘No, only when you put it on. It’s a sort of preen.’

Later, the row flared up again when Dowling once more challenged Davidson, only to be accused of playing the ‘homophobic card’.

A tearful Dowling said: ‘How can you say that to me? I am sitting right beside you. I am an equal to you Jim, in everything we have ever done.’

‘Sure – that’s what GAY stands for,’ Davidson sneered. ‘Good As You. I know that.

‘Jim don’t say that,’ Dowling countered. ‘I am Brian – not Good As You. I am an equal to you. You are being really, really horrible to me now. Why can’t I be Brian and you be Jim?’

He then broke down in tears, and as other contestants tried to lead him away protested: ‘I won’t walk away. I won’t be as Good As You. I will be BAY – Better Than You.’

Later, Dowling told Davidson: ‘I find you the most offensive person I have ever met in my whole entire life.’

Published: 11 Sep 2007