Alexander O’Neal found the stress of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ to be "unbearable".
The 61-year-old singer opted to leave the reality TV series after he was given a formal warning by producers for using homophobic language aimed at celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.
Alexander told the show’s host Emma Willis: "The stress became unbearable. I did it for myself and for my housemates."
The ‘Criticize’ hitmaker – who became the third contestant to leave outside the show’s usual elimination process, following the departures of actors Jeremy Jackson and Ken Morley – said he didn’t want to stop other housemates from having a positive experience.
Of his clash with Perez Hilton, Alexander said: "Perez is gonna be Perez and do what he gonna do.
"He taunts you."
However, Alexander also told the host of the Channel 5 show that the house is less intense than viewers may realise.
Asked whether housemates are always on edge, he replied: "No not constantly, living with 11 or 12 housemates, you’re bound to have moments, everyone has them."
Despite the controversial nature of his departure, Alexander insisted the show has broadly been a positive experience.
He shared: "I’ve had my moments, for the most part it was a great experience.
"I’m grateful to Big Brother for giving me the opportunity to be part of something like this."
Alexander O’Neal found Celebrity Big Brother ‘unbearable’
