TV Show Slammed For Airing Angie Bowie's Tearful Reaction to News of Her Ex's Death

David Bowie's ex was filmed in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house when she learned the news of his passing.

David Bowie’s first wife, Angie, broke down on camera after she was told of his death - long after the world had learned the sad news.

Read: The Last Twitter Account David Bowie Followed Was God

She was locked inside the Celebrity Big Brother house in the UK when he passed away from liver cancer on Sunday. Despite the news, she has decided to continue with the show.

The 66-year-old former model discussed the tragic news in the confessional room.

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."

After she collected herself,  she said: “The stardust is gone.”

In a statement, Channel 5 said: "Following the very sad news of David Bowie's death, we can now confirm that Angie Bowie has been informed off camera by her representatives. She has taken the decision to continue in the programme."

It 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."

Viewers slammed the show for airing her reaction.

Disgusted at #CBB for showing the footage of Angie Bowie breaking down. What a hideous violation of her privacy.

— Rachel Ellen Pugh (@Siren_Sister) January 12, 2016

Wow can't believe #CBB just showed the moment Angie Bowie found out as a 'preview' for tomorrow's show. Using a death for viewing figures..

— Becki McKeown (@beckimckeown) January 11, 2016

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

But the show also defended itself on Twitter:

For those asking – Angie was told the tragic news about David Bowie off camera by her agent, then spoke to BB about it in the Diary Room.

— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) January 11, 2016

Angie and David were married in 1970 and divorced a decade later.

The couple had one child together, filmmaker Duncan Jones, who tweeted a poignant tribute to dad on Monday:

Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m

— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016

Read: Astronaut Honors David Bowie From Outer Space

In the weeks prior to his passing, David Bowie was photographed looking gaunt.

His last public appearance was on December 7 at the New York premiere of his off-Broadway musical Lazarus, which he attended with supermodel wife, Iman.

Watch Below: David Bowie's Final Music Video Was 'Parting Gift' to Fans Before Dying of Cancer