Hertfordshire Police have released figures today showing that it has cost around £350,000 to police Big Brother UK over the last six years. The recent racism enquiry cost more than £14,000 alone.

A police spokesperson told the BBC News website: “Shortly after the programme began, it was decided that, where it was appropriate, Hertfordshire Constabulary would recover the costs for any potential investigations arising from Big Brother in addition to the overall policing charges levied on Endemol.”

The figures show that policing costs have risen from £13,655 in 2002 to £115,983 in 2006.