BIG Brother winner Anthony Hutton swapped pantomime for pampering when he helped out a family friend by launching her beauty salon.

The 23-year-old, who won the reality TV show in August, is currently appearing in Beauty and the Beast at Darlington Civic Theatre.

He returned to his Consett roots to open the Time-Less Beauty and Holistic Salon, above the Tanfastic Salon, in Derwent Street, Blackhill.

The salon has been opened by Carole McNally, a schoolfriend of the star's mum, Annette, and Anthony was treated to a complimentary hot stone massage during his visit.

Carole said: "He's a great lad and I'm really grateful that he found the time to come along.

"He was just expecting to cut a ribbon, but he's a good sport and it wasn't difficult to persuade him to try the hot stones."

The 41-year-old former auxiliary nurse said she hoped Anthony would set an example to other young men.

She said: "Women are mostly open to alternative therapies, but there is a stereotype that North-East men don't care about looking or feeling healthy.

"Anthony takes good care of himself and isn't scared to try something new, so I'm hoping other lads will get the message."