X-rated scenes and allegations of bullying in Thursday night’s episode of Celebrity Big Brother sparked 70 complaints, Ofcom has confirmed.

Stephen Bear was at the centre of both controversies as he continued his sexual relationship with Chloe Khan, while he and Lewis Bloor were also accused of bullying Heavy D.

Scenes involving Chloe Khan and Bear provoked 47 complaints from viewers (Channel 5)Scenes involving Chloe Khan and Bear provoked 47 complaints from viewers (Channel 5)

A spokesman for the media watchdog said: “We have received 70 complaints about Celebrity Big Brother from last night. We will assess these complaints before deciding whether to investigate or not.”

Forty-seven viewers complained about the episode’s sexual content, which saw Bear lick Chloe’s bare breasts. She also simulated a sex act on a water bottle.

The Playboy model recreated her audition for her web-cam business to Bear, even commenting that the situation had become close to “porn”. The two could later be seen apparently kissing and touching under a duvet.

The two later got close under the covers (Channel 5)The two later got close under the covers (Channel 5)

A further 22 complaints were made about bullying behaviour following the treatment of Heavy D by Bear and Lewis, nine of which were directed solely at Bear.

In Big Brother’s Big Risk shopping task, Storage Hunters star Heavy D was chosen to survive on “slops” for a day.

But Bear and Lewis goaded him into breaking the rules by eating a slice of cake.

The two said to him: “Having a bit of cake, mate,” and pleaded: “Mate, come on, it’s only a little bit. I’m sure it won’t be that bad.”

Bear came under fire for Bear came under fire for “bullying” Heavy D (Channel 5)

But despite him telling them: “No, I can’t… I can’t do it,” Ex On The Beach’s Bear tried to feed him the food by saying “here comes the aeroplane”.

Bear then persuaded his fellow housemate to eat after telling him: “Come on. You’re Heavy D, mate. Heavy D would eat it.”

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan commented on Twitter that it was “very uncomfortable to watch how Bear and Lewis treat Heavy D”.

Twitter user @WellMax81 added: “Heavy D doesn’t realise that he’s being bullied – Bear and Lewis taking the piss for their amusement. Disgusted no-one has noticed.”

Renee picked Chloe to replace her in the eviction nominations (Channel 5)Renee picked Chloe to replace her in the eviction nominations (Channel 5)

One person complained about food wastage on the programme.

Chloe joined the list of nominees for eviction at the last minute in Thursday’s episode as Renee Graziano secured a “save and replace” prize in the task and picked Chloe to go up instead of her.

She will face the public vote alongside Marnie Simpson, James Whale and Bear, who faces the public nomination each week because he has an eternal nomination.