Biggins in Big Brother Boost

It was delightful to see Christopher Biggins become a Celebrity Big Brother contestant as the reality TV show launched last night.

I was expecting the usual line up of Z listers and, on most counts, producers didn't disappoint.

80s pop icon and model Sam Fox is vaguely on my radar, having seen her rather short delayed set at Let's Rock Southampton last year and, having seen the Absolutely Movie recently, I vaguely know who Helen Lederer is.

I'm even aware of Grant Bovey, who is so little known that he is constantly described as Anthea Turner's ex husband, rather than for any of his own achievements. Apparently he's a property magnate and film producer by the way.

Of course he was once declared bankrupt, as was Biggins, which may explain their CBB appearance.

The rest of the line-up are almost entirely sourced from other lesser known reality shows.

But Biggins, with his bellowing laugh, cheeky humour and huge grin, will be a joy.

The TV and stage star was a firm favourite when he starred in panto here in Southampton. Appearing in Cinderella in Christmas 2008 alongside Stephanie Powers, Craig McLachlan and Matthew Kelly, he thrilled staff at the Grand Harbour hotel where he had a suite with showbiz anecdotes and celebrity gossip, gave his time freely to a number of charities and even managed to charm the city's parking wardens.

His genuine personality, appetite for fun and the gusto with which he approached the dreaded Bushtucker trials all endeared him to contestants and viewers when he was a late replacement who went on to win I'm A Celebrity....Get Me Out Of Here back in 2007.

He's a national treasure and I've no doubt he will delight.

Big Up Biggins!

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