A NORTH-EAST student was settling into the Big Brother house yesterday after becoming the latest to move in.

Timothy Culley, 23, known as Tim, became the latest Big Brother contestant on Sunday night.

The Durham University student, who has just completed his final year at its Queen Campus, in Stockton, and lives in Thornaby, joins fireman Jonny Regan, from Trimdon, County Durham, in the popular reality show offering £70,000 in prize money.

But the business and finance student is likely to miss his own graduation ceremony in Durham next week.

Tim, who immediately bonded with male model Alex, started the day with a glass of bubbly by the poolside after the others decided to let him live on "the rich side".

''This is too easy - it's like a holiday,'' he said, before taking a dip in the pool followed by a sunbathing session.

Tim, who was brought into the house to replace escapee Sandy, was born in Kuwait and lived in Hong Kong for ten years. He is a qualified tennis coach, and went to a boarding school before enrolling at Durham University.

A university spokesman confirmed Tim's preparations as a stand-in contestant had been a well-kept secret.

"He has just finished his final year and is due to graduate this year," he said. "As far as I can tell, no one knew of his plans."

Mr Culley is exempt from eviction this week, along with Jade, who is being punished for breaking Big Brother rules.

Spencer is currently the favourite to win the competition, with Tim fetching odds of ten to one.