After only 48 hours in the Big Brother house, the North-East's laugh-a-minute fireman is already proving a favourite with the millions of viewers who tune in to the hit show.

Johnny Regan is not scared of being the centre of attention - there's nothing he likes better than appearing in drag or 1970s flares.

Dubbed the Geordie Joker, bookies have slashed his odds to 10-1, and by last night he had established himself as the fifth favourite housemate on the unofficial poll on Channel Four's website.

The 29-year-old, who has performed before Tony Blair and Prince William with his band, works for Durham County Fire Brigade at Peterlee fire station, and lives in Trimdon Grange, County Durham.