Animal rights campaigner Pamela Anderson has defended her decision to take part in the Australian version of reality show Big Brother - claiming she was unaware the programme was part-sponsored by fast food company KFC.

The former ‘Baywatch’ star was recruited by producers to make a guest spot on the TV show and was sent into the house on Wednesday.

However, the vegetarian has come under criticism for her part in the programme, because of the show’s links to KFC - a firm Anderson has been protesting against.

Anderson insists she did not know of the affiliation, and admits the offer was simply too good to refuse.

She explains: “Every show has a bunch of sponsors and it’s not something you look into when you are offered a job. But it’s kind of interesting, it’s a coincidence.”

Meanwhile, her appearance was welcomed by the overwhelmed Big Brother housemates, who initially believed her to be a convincing celebrity look-a-like - until her true identity was revealed.

The star will spend three days in the Big Brother house, but she has chosen not to sleep there - exiting through the diary room every night.

Speaking about her payment for the show, she says: “(The pay cheque was) huge, a lot… Much more than I am worth.

“I don’t want to say how much but it is a lot.”