ALEX REID: BIG BROTHER MADE ME GROW

ABOVE: Alex Reid has admitted that he had good advice from other celebs in the house

30th January 2010

By Peter Dyke and Katie Begley

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CELEBRITY Big Brother star Alex Reid last night admitted he went on the show “a plonker” and has come out a winner.

Jordan’s cage-fighting boyfriend said doing the show was the best decision of his life. Taking advice from other celebs has made him grow up.

As he and his girlfriend’s ex, Dane Bowers went head-to-head last night for the crown, Alex said his fellow housemates had convinced him that stupid antics and stunts must end.

And he said he realised cross-dressing and being pictured playing with Jordan’s kids, angering 36-year-old Peter Andre, have harmed his image. Now Alex, 34, is ready to put the past behind him. “I have actually grown in there,” he said. “I have matured. It’s weird to say that. I’ve not become more intelligent but I’ve become more wise."

"I have taken on board what Vinnie and Dane have said to me. They have made me think, ‘Yeah, I can act like a plonker sometimes.’ I know I am not hurting anyone but maybe I am hurting myself. So, thanks to Big Brother, I have grown up a little. I have found myself.”

Last night Alex was set for a sexy reunion with his lover, real name Kate Price, 31. The pair were due to be whisked off to a hotel for a marathon romping session after a month apart.

But he and Dane were shocked when former football hardman Vinnie Jones, 45, finished only third. The Lock Stock actor had been favourite to win for much of the series and reckoned he had the victory in the bag – but gurned with disappointment be- hind his sunglasses.

Vinnie, who had bossed the house, polled just 20.2% of the vote. He then moaned that he had to wait half an hour before leaving, snorting: “That’s disgusting, innit?” Fourth was cheesy popstar Basshunter – real name Jonas Altberg, 25 – who bagged 12.9% of the vote.

The hunky singer who enjoyed a romance with Katia Ivanova, 21, left to screams of delight from girls. “That was better than I expected,” he said. “It’s been funny, emotional and a little bit sad. A lot of joy and I have learnt a lot of lessons. I have never laughed so much in my life.”

But Jonas said he was over his feelings for Katia. When asked if Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood’s ex stood a chance with him, Jonas coolly replied: “It’s too late baby!”

Ex-Dynasty actress Stephanie Beacham was fifth. “I’ve had a completely blissful time,” she said. “It has been wonderful – the best holiday I have had in years. I lived like a child, it was heaven!”