A CHANTELLE lookalike joined an army of Big Brother wannabes at an audition in the North-East at the weekend.

Celebrity Big Brother winner lookalike Steph Turrell, 18, queued with hundreds of fame-hungry hopefuls for the chance of becoming the next reality television star.

Despite the freezing temperature, the aspiring contestants at St James' Park, Newcastle, were dressed in outfits which included a heavenly devil.

And one contestant in line before the doors opened at 9am was still in his pyjamas.

Programme-makers from Endemol UK were in the city hoping to meet exhibitionists for the seventh series in the summer.

All those waiting on Saturday were keen to follow in the footsteps of 24-year- old Anthony Hutton, from Consett, County Durham, who received £50,000 after winning last year's Big Brother 6.

Mark Jameson, 19, from Newcastle, said: "I want to be famous. I think the world would love me.

"I am quite shy, but I do come out of my shell.

"I got up at 2.30am to come here, but it will be worth it if I get in."

Ophila Upp, 22, from South Shields, South Tyneside, said: "I have watched it since it began and I don't think the show has seen anyone like me before."

Simone McKee, 19, from Newcastle, who turned up in pyjamas, said: "I think I am loud and crazy enough. I'd love to go in and cause lots of trouble.

"I got some funny looks on the way here, but I don't care."

Each hopeful was given a few minutes to meet the show's producers and explain why they think they would make a great housemate.

If they are selected for the next stage, they will have one minute in a replica diary room to sell themselves in whatever way they like.

Executive producer Claire O'Donohoe said: "People need to stand out from the crowd, but ultimately they should just turn up and be themselves because that's what makes great housemates like Anthony."

Previous North-East Big Brother contestants include Michelle Bass from Dinnington; Narinder Kaur from North Tyneside; and County Durham firefighter Johnny Regan.