Angela Bowie reacts to ex-husband David Bowie’s death

MANILA, Philippines – Angela Bowie, ex-wife of the late David Bowie, reacted to the singer’s death while on the UK television program Celebrity Big Brother, where she is a contestant. (WATCH: 5 David Bowie covers from movie soundtracks, rock bands)

On the Big Brother reality show, the contestants aren’t allowed to have contact with the outside world. However, following the news of David’s death on Monday, January 13 (Manila time) the show released a message on Facebook saying, “We can confirm that Angie Bowie will be informed off camera today at the earliest opportunity.”

Later, in a teaser for an episode, viewers saw Angie speaking about Bowie’s death. She said, “I haven’t seen him in so many years, I can’t make a big drama out of it. I just feel like an era has ended with his passing. I’m so very sad.”

Angie then breaks down and cries, before the scene cuts to one of Angie with two other housemates – John Partridge and David Gest – on either side of her. She says, “The Stardust is gone.” (READ: Stars mourn David Bowie’s death)

The show said, on their Facebook page, that Angie was told about David’s death off-camera.

“She has taken the decision to continue in the program,” the post continued. “The decision to remain in the house is entirely her choice, and she has been given the option to leave at any time if she changes her mind. Appropriate support will be available to Angie at any time if needed.”

Meanwhile, fans cried foul on social media, criticizing the network that airs the show, Channel 5, saying that showing Angie’s reaction to the death was in poor taste.

Still can’t believe C5 – even C5 – did a "Coming up tomorrow, David Bowie’s ex-wife weeps in the diary room at the news of his death." #CBB

— Ian Hyland (@HylandIan) January 11, 2016

Low blow from #CBB to show Angie Bowie’s reaction despite saying she was told off-camera.. Literally no one needed to see that

— Ellie (@eleanorrrrrrrr_) January 12, 2016

Really low and degrading from Channel 5 in broadcasting Angie Bowie’s reaction to hearing her ex-husband’s death.

— Daniel Jenks (@DanielJenks89) January 11, 2016

I love @bbuk but showing Angie Bowie being told David has died on tv is wrong on so many levels @channel5_tv #channel5 #badtaste #shameful

— Hannah Griffiths (@hannah_kg) January 11, 2016

Angie, 66 was a former model, and was married to Bowie in 1970, until they divorced in 1980. They had one son together: film director, producer, and screenwriter Duncan Jones.

David Bowie died on Sunday, January 10 (Monday, January 11 in Manila), after an 18-month battle with cancer. Many fans, famous personalities, and members of the music industry paid tribute to the late legend. – Rappler.com