Fed: Turkey slappers "loveable", says Big Brother runner-up

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2006
Fed: Turkey slappers "loveable", says Big Brother runner-up

By Erin McWhirter, TV Writer

GOLD COAST, Aug 1 AAP - Big Brother runner-up Camilla Severi says her alleged sexual
mistreatment by former housemates Ashley and John makes them no less "loveable".

Severi was at the centre of controversy on the reality TV show when fellow housemate
Michael "Ashley" Cox, 20, rubbed his crotch in her face while Michael "John" Bric, 22,
appeared to hold her down.

Both were kicked off the show after the "turkey slapping" incident on July 1, which
was streamed live on the internet but not broadcast on the Ten Network.

"I was uncomfortable for a split second in time, but the boys' behaviour doesn't make
them any less loveable to me," the 22-year-old Victorian said.

"Everyone is talking about the scandal, but you can substitute anyone into that equation
and the same thing would have happened."

Camilla, who landed second spot in Big Brother's sixth series last night behind winner
Jamie Brooksby, said she was surprised by the media attention surrounding the incident.

"All I can say is I know how I feel about the situation and I know who those people
are and they know who I am.

"If there is any anger or hatred it hasn't been on my behalf."

Camilla said she was shocked that Prime Minister John Howard had labelled the show
"stupid" and called for it to be taken off air.

Winner Jamie was in high spirits today after his nail-biting victory, with producers
claiming the voting was the closest ever since the first series of Big Brother in 2001.

He isn't sure what he will spend his $426,000 prize money on.

"Maybe (buy) a solid gold house and a rocket car," the 23-year-old West Australian joked.

Jamie, who struck up a relationship with fellow contestant Katie Hastings inside the
house, said being reunited with her after 43 days apart was intense.

"I found romance and love in the house and I am the luckiest guy ever."

While Big Brother has its critics, it looks certain to return next year.

Last night's finale attracted a national average audience of 1.9 million viewers, peaking
at 2.2 million at 9.38pm (AEST).

This year the season's daily program increased its average audience to 1.13 million
viewers, up from 1.11 million in 2005.

"Who would have thought after six years Big Brother would continue to deliver such
amazing results," said Ten's chief programming officer David Mott.

"To both grow our audience and win in 16-54 (demographic) every weeknight ... is just
fantastic and speaks volumes for the format's enduring popularity and relevance."

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