Jade Goody's spokesman has rubbished claims that the star is exploiting her cancer diagnosis.

The reality TV star was taking part in the Indian version of Big Brother when she was told the news. She had joined the TV house in an attempt to make amends for her part in the Celebrity Big Brother race row.

Cynics have already suggested that all is not what it seems, however. Some critics have claimed that the extent of Goody's illness is being exaggerated in order to garner sympathy for the controversial star. Others have asked why she decided to join the show when she was awaiting the results of medical tests she had undergone earlier this month.

Spokesman Max Clifford told Metro Online: "Those people are very sad people. This girl has cancer. Full stop. That is exactly what it is, it is not pre-cancer, it is cancer in the neck of the womb."

He added: "I hope the people who doubt her never have to hear the news themselves one day. She had no idea. She went for a few regular tests and wouldn't have gone on it at all if she had known."

Goody announced that she wanted the Indian public to see a new side of her character as she entered the house at the weekend. She had previously provoked outrage in the country by describing Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty as "Shilpa Poppadom" and "Shilpa F***awallah" when they shared the Celebrity Big Brother house together in 2007.