With Celebrity Big Brother returning to our screens, we're taking a look at one of the most controversial moments in the show's tenure, when Roxanne Pallett caused a public meltdown back in 2018.

The now 40-year-old actress from Carlisle previously played Jo Stiles in Emmerdale and found success on the reality TV show Dancing on Ice in 2009.

In 2018, she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, which led to a media firestorm surrounding a highly damaging accusation.

Roxanne, born Roxanne Kaboli-Nejad, falsely accused CBB housemate and Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas of punching her.

The two were seen on-screen play-fighting, with Roxanne at one point telling Ryan "Ow! Woman beater" and him very quickly apologising.

Roxanne later spoke into her microphone saying: "I've just been beaten up by Corrie's Jason Grimshaw. Big Brother that hurt” and she then asked to be called into the Diary Room to air her concerns over the incident.

Roxanne told Big Brother: "A boy has punched me repeatedly, unprovoked, completely deliberate. He actually punched me. Like a boxer would a bag! We weren't play fighting. It wasn't banter. It wasn't a joke. There was no exchange.

"I can't believe you're letting someone stay who's done that. It's not okay!"

Ryan was given a formal warning by Big Brother in traumatic scenes for viewers in which he was visibly upset by the accusations.

He responded: "From your point of view, yes (it's unacceptable). I think we both know, and Roxanne knows, that there was no malice or hurt or anger in anything that I did during this time.

Pallett branded him a "liar"

"But from your point of view, while doing this show, I'm sorry and I understand."

However, Pallett branded him a "liar".

The scenes sparked 25,000 complaints to Ofcom and a backlash against Roxanne. Fans could be heard chanting "Get Roxy out" at the following eviction.

She subsequently decided to leave the house in the early hours of Day 17 (September 1, 2018). Two days after leaving the house she returned for an interview with show host Emma Willis, where she apologised, stating she had made a "horrible mistake" and said that she wanted to be forgiven for her actions.

Roxanne received serious threats online which affected her mental health.

Carlisle-raised Pallett said she does not like the person she used to be and understands the anger directed against her.

What is Roxanne up to now?

Roxanne revealed she considered taking her own life after her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.

She also revealed she was forced into hiding after leaving the Big Brother house in a blaze of controversy.

Following her stint on CBB, the only TV appearances she took part in were those she had already pre-recorded - Celebrity Island With Bear Grylls and Celebrity Coach Trip early in 2019.

Roxanne has remained out of the limelight in recent years and has shunned social media.