CHANNEL 4 has been heavily criticised in a report by a media watchdog over its handling of the Celebrity Big Brother racism row.

The long-awaited report, conducted by media watchdog Ofcom, found the television station to be guilty of "serious editorial misjudgement".

The show, featuring Hampshire film maker Ken Russell, sparked an international outcry over the treatment of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty by housemates Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meara.

Several occasions were highlighted in the probe, including Jade Goody referring to Miss Shetty as "Shilpa Poppadom".

As a result of the report, Ofcom has ordered Channel 4 to make a series of on-air apologies during the new series of Big Brother next month.

"Ofcom takes allegations of racist abuse and bullying on television extremely seriously," a spokesman for the watchdog said.