As usual Jade Goody is as controversial in death as she was in life. Today, after her death early yesterday morning, celebrities and VIP’s are lining up to commiserate and pay tribute to her.

But it was all so different just two years ago.

Those same celebs back then could not distance themselves far enough away from her, the public could not pour enough scorn on her. This was after her well publicised spat with Shilpa Shetty on Celebrity Big Brother in January 2007.

That incident will be debated for some time to come but it’s after effects never really left Jade. I saw it as nothing to do with racism, it was more to do with a volatile young woman having a personality and ego clash with another. I dont know what personal issues Jade had at the time she entered the house that year but she seemed at odds and angry from the time she appeared with her mother and Jack on the show.

Whatever the reasons behind Jades terrible temper outburst at Shetty, the consequences meant that Jade became persona non gratis in the industry. It is an unforgiving industry which embraces political correctness and superficiality and shuns, discourages - even penalises  - honesty and genuiness.

Those who heaped vitriole on Jade in the days and weeks following Shettygate are now lining up to express their admiration and regret. Some were even wanting to visit her sickbed and, I am sure if there is enough publicity in it, will be front row at her funeral.

Yes , maybe I am being ultra-cynical here, but Jade seems to have ended her life as the prodigal daughter. Reclaimed and hailed by the very industry who once, in all it’s hypocritical and self-righteous wrath, tried to destroy her. But it did never did.

Make no mistake, Jade was no saint, she was too real and too flawed for such a title. But at least she had the guts to be those things – in public and in front of the camera. Just like all of us. But it was a shame she had to apologise for it.