Gary Goldsmith also said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could not "throw your family under a bus in such a dramatic style" - referring to books written by Meghan and Harry - and still be expected "to be invited round for Christmas".

He added on Tuesday night's episode: "I have the opinion that Harry was really, really, really loved, massively loved, and when they were a threesome - Kate, William and Harry - were really comfortable together, loved.

"And then suddenly there's an extra dynamic that comes in, puts a stick in the spokes and creates so much drama that I don't generally think is there, and re-wrote the history and said how unhappy he was, and I just don't think that's fair."

Goldsmith, who is the younger brother of Kate's mother Carole Middleton, asked fellow housemate and TV personality Sharon Osbourne what the "vibe" is in Los Angeles towards Harry and Meghan.

She suggested their popularity is "dwindling", adding: "I think everyone is fed up of their moaning."

Goldsmith added: "I think it is pretty sad because I think at some point he's going to want to come back and be part of the gang, he might need to, but I think we're a very forgiving nature and I think everybody will give him a chance again."

His comments came after he entered the Celebrity Big Brother house on Monday night.

Speaking to former X Factor judge Louis Walsh, Goldsmith said it was "difficult to get hold of Kate at the best of times".

"She's got children and I love the fact that she's putting family first," he added.

However, he admitted being referred to as a "buncle" and said: "Have you heard of a buncle? Bad uncle, apparently every family has them."

Goldsmith also insisted he believed that his niece and her husband the Prince of Wales would be "the saviour of the royal family".

ITV said the reboot of the reality show attracted 2.8 million viewers on its debut.

Viewing figures peaked at 3.2 million across all devices, according to overnight ratings.

The programme's previous broadcaster Channel 5 axed the series in 2018 following a ratings slump.