Big Brother launch investigation into new contestant Ellis Hillon after ‘racist tweets’ about 9/11 emerge

Big Brother bosses have confirmed they've launched an investigation after it was claimed that new housemate Ellis Hillon posted a number of vile and racist tweets before entering the house.

An offensive post has been circulating online that many are claiming to have come from Ellis' account, which was wiped before she entered the house.

The Sun reports that the post, which dates back to September 11 2014, reads: "Oh f--- aye its 9/11!! RIP to everyone who died n f--- they smelly p--- terrorist b-------!!!"

Several other tweets that are said to have been from her account allegedly used the N-word. These tweets have now been deleted.

Big Brother has confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the tweets, telling The Sun: "We are currently investigating the authenticity of a number of historic social media posts."

Ellie's account is being run by her sister while she's in the house, and she has since tweeted defending Ellie and denying the authenticity of the posts.

She wrote, according to The Sun: "There were no bad tweets!!! People just talk absolute rubbish and make fake things up.

"There will be no negativity here and my sister will shine. Good night!!!!

Big Brother kicked off last night, and bosses confirmed yesterday on Twitter that it will be the last ever series of the show.

GALLERY: the full Big Brother 2018 line-up

They wrote: "We are incredibly proud of Big Brother which has consistently been the highest rated show for Channel 5 over the past seven years, with the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother being the channel’s highest rating show of the year, growing its’ audience year on year by 17% and tripling the channel’s slot average for 16-14s.

"This performance is credit to the fantastic production team, plus Emma, Rylan, Marcus and the many housemates over the years who have delivered so many unmissable series.

"Big Brother continues to be a global phenomenon. He UK is one of 20 countries where the show ill air in 2018, including the US where Celebrity Big Brother was recently renewed, four different versions in India and last month’s Celebrity Big Brother in Germany which saw a rise of 85% series on series.

"Whilst disappointment not to reach an agreement with Channel 5 the decision opens up a new chapter and we are excited about future possibilities for Big Brother in the UK."

Big Brother continues tonight at 9PM on Channel 5.