Big Brother’s chefs are considering cutting the show’s classic theme song after DJ Paul Oakenfold was accused of sexual harassment.
Elementfour’s song – written by Paul and Andy Gray – has been featured on the reality series since its inception in 2000.
A lawsuit was recently filed against Paul, 59, by a former personal assistant who accused him of sexual harassment, including claims that he masturbated in front of her.
The tune is dropped when the British DJ, who has denied the allegations, loses his case.
A source told The sun: ‘Big Brother and ITV are shocked by the claims against Paul and are waiting to see how the case develops.
Shock: Big Brother chefs consider scrapping show’s classic theme song after DJ Paul Oakenfold was accused of sexual harassment
Case: A lawsuit was recently filed against Paul, 59, by a former personal assistant who accused him of sexual harassment, including claims that he masturbated in front of her
“Other superstar DJs like Calvin Harris or Joel Corry will be picked and could be in the running to record the replacement.
“There were plans to re-release Elementfour to coincide with the relaunch of Big Brother later this year, but those have been shelved for now.”
Paul vehemently denies the allegations and has hit back on social media.
“I want to comment on recent allegations of sexual harassment against me. Let me be absolutely clear: I categorically deny all claims of inappropriate conduct. Respect, integrity and consent are values I hold dear, and I have always treated everyone with the utmost professionalism,” began Paul’s statement, posted on Instagram.
The world-famous DJ suggested that the lawsuit against him was in fact a money grab by the former employee.
He wrote, “It is disheartening to see these baseless accusations, which appear to be nothing more than a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation and extort money. I am determined to fully cooperate with any investigations to clear my name and will pursue all available legal remedies, including the ability to counter, to protect my reputation and seek justice.”
Court documents allege that Oakenfold exposed and masturbated in front of the woman several times, starting with her first day in the role.
The woman also claims that such behavior occurred in several incidents, including in her car and on four separate occasions in one day.
According to the lawsuit, Roe took a job with the management companies in October 2022 and was immediately hired as Oakenfold’s personal assistant at a rate of $20 per hour.
She worked from the home of the 59-year-old Grammy-nominated DJ who remixed artists such as U2, Madonna, Britney Spears and the Rolling Stones.
But from day one, she claims, Oakenfold exposed and masturbated in front of her.
He would do it three more times over the next two months, including once in November 2022 when he reportedly masturbated to her four times in just one day.
Known: the track Elementfour – written by Paul and Andy Gray – has been played in the reality series since the start in 2000
Oakenfold denied the allegations and vowed to fight them in a statement posted on Instagram
Big Brother was confirmed to be returning to screens when a teaser aired during the Love Island 2022 finale in August. The civilian edition of the program was last broadcast on Channel 5 in 2018.
The rebooted series was originally set to air in March, but the program was delayed due to the number of entertainment shows airing on ITV in early 2023, such as winter Love Island and the All Stars edition of I’m A Celebrity.. . Get me out of here!.
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline late last year that “due to the influx of big reality TV programming in the first half of 2022, we have made the decision to move the Big Brother broadcast to a more prominent place in the autumn to be moved.
“This gives our viewers a whole calendar of major reality TV formats all year round.”
AJ Odudu and Will Best were announced on Tuesday as the hosts of the brand new Big Brother reboot.
The Strictly star and former T4 presenter, who is known for his role in Dance Dance Dance, will helm the reality show when it returns to screens on ITV2 this autumn.
They will play the iconic lead, as well as an additional nightly live show, discussing all the hot topics in the house.
A source told MailOnline: ‘They really have real chemistry and it was an absolute no-brainer when they were tested.’
Speaking of her new role, AJ said, “I’m so excited to finally be able to say, yes: I’m hosting Big Brother! I couldn’t be happier.’
Exciting: AJ Odudu and Will Best were announced as hosts of the brand new Big Brother reboot on Tuesday
She added: “Following in the footsteps of some of my favorite broadcasting legends to lead such an iconic show is an absolute honor – and to do this alongside my wonderful friend Will is the icing on the cake.”
Will explained, “I grew up on Big Brother, so getting the chance to host it with my friend AJ is a dream come true. I can’t wait to tell some of the housemates not to swear.’
Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning for ITV2 and ITVX, said: ‘AJ and Will really are our perfect pairing as we prepare to reintroduce Big Brother to the next generation.
“With real chemistry, they will both bring effortless wit, charm and heaps of character to their roles and we’re excited to be working with them again.”