THE advertising watchdog has reversed its decision not to investigate a controversial billboard campaign for Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Weddings documentary.

The campaign – which featured the words "Bigger. Fatter. Gypsier" printed over images of gypsy children – led to 372 complaints that it was racist.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) decided against investigating the campaign earlier this year because it judged that although the adverts "might not be to everyone's taste", the images and text reflected the tone and content of the programme.

The ASA's independent reviewer, Sir Hayden Phillips, recommended that the ASA council review its decision following a request by the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain.