Pamela Anderson, the former Baywatch star, has waded into the debate over populism and extremism after accusing Italy’s hard-line interior minister, Matteo Salvini, of fomenting a return to fascism.

The Canadian-born actress said that “current trends” in Italy reminded her of the climate in Europe in the 1930s.

In a series of tweets, she wrote: “Italy is a beautiful country and I love it so much, from its food to its fashion, from its history to its arts, but I am very worried about the current trends which are reminding me of the 1930s.

“The fear and insecurity in all segments of society, the daily attacks on refugees and migrants, the deepening economic crisis…”

Mr Salvini has managed to double popular support for his anti-immigration party, The League, since Italy’s general election in March, from 17 per cent to 34 per cent.