Dr Greer’s participation in the Channel 4 reality television show has, however, split the “sisterhood” with Bonnie Greer, her Newsnight Review sofa comrade, who has declared her appearance on the programme “a shame”.

Despite appearing to be sick before taking the challenge of wading through a compost- heap obstacle course, the feminist author has thrown herself whole-heartedly into the experience.

Carole Caplin, Cherie Blair’s lifestyle guru who rejected the invitation to appear, meanwhile criticised Dr Greer’s admission that she took part after holding out for the right fee.

Ms Caplin said: “Cynics may think that everyone has their price but, personally, I would rather crawl over shards of glass than appear on Celebrity Big Brother, no matter how much money was on offer.”

Big Brother yesterday appointed the DJ Lisa I’Anson “Queen” of the Big Brother House. She must be waited upon by the others for three days.

Dr Greer is the Royal Cook, the model Caprice is Royal Dresser and the racing pundit John McCririck the Court Jester.

Nominations for evictions will be made tomorrow and Mr McCririck is favourite to be the first celebrity voted out on Friday night.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Scots may get more tax-raising powers
• Why team games may make your children fat
• Ivy League targets Britain’s top students