Rodman, Galloway, Maggot: U.K. Reality Show Picks Celebrities
Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Former basketball star Dennis Rodman and anti-war politician George Galloway are among the 11 contestants in the latest instalment of ``Big Brother,'' the U.K. reality television show that draws more than 5 million viewers.
Comedian Michael Barrymore and glamour model Jodie Marsh are also competing in the fourth series of the ``Celebrity'' version of the Channel 4 Television show, the broadcaster said.
The competition involves contestants living in a house without any contact from the outside world for 23 days and being evicted by public vote until one remains as the winner. In the ``Celebrity'' version, money raised by the telephone votes is split evenly between charities chosen by the competitors.
``I believe that politicians should use every opportunity to communicate with people,'' Galloway, 51, said, according to a report today by Channel 4.
Galloway, who was investigated by the U.S. Senate after denying accusations he profited from Iraqi oil money during Saddam Hussein's rule, said the show was good for politics. Galloway formed the anti-Iraq war party Respect and was elected lawmaker for Bethnal Green and Bow in east London in May.
The six feet, seven inch-tall Rodman, 44, won NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons.
William Hill, the U.K.'s second-largest bookmaker, named Marsh favorite to win, with odds of 4-1. Galloway has odds of 14-1, the bookmaker said. Previous winners include comedian Jack Dee and Bez, a dancer with Manchester band Happy Mondays.
The other contestants include Faria Alam, the former Football Association secretary who had an affair with England soccer coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, former Baywatch actress Traci Bingham, and rapper Maggot from the band Goldie Lookin' Chain.
For the first time, the show has a previously unknown contestant. Chantelle, a model from Essex, southeast England, must convince the other players she is a member of fictitious girl band Kandy Floss to stay in the contest.
He's already trying to get laid...
It Started With A Cuddle
Day 3, 18:00
Saturday 07 January
It was only a matter of time before a pair of housemates jumped into bed together - and Dennis and Chantelle have become the first to do the decent thing.
The duo's flirting reached new levels this afternoon when they shared a romantic "cuddle" in the bedroom.
Not that romantic is the best word to describe Dennis' pulling technique, but it seems to be working.
While lying in bed he snatched a black skirt from Chantelle's hand and pulled it under his duvet. The giggling Essex girl was quick to pursue the lost garment.
"She's reaching for it," announced Dennis, tossing his head back gleefully as Chantelle jiggled around on top of him.
"Reaching for what... your schlong?" enquired the nearby Pete with characteristic subtlety.
"You dirty old man. You're too old for her," he added accusingly, as Chantelle's arm finally emerged with the skirt in hand.
It wasn't long before she was being pestered again when dirty Den reached out to grab her foot.
"I don't like it!" she protested. "I really don't, it tickles."
Undeterred, Dennis adopted a more direct approach.
"I want it all right now!" he sang, mimicking the Kandy Floss hit single that's on everyone's lips, before mumbling something about a cuddle.
"Okay, I'll just give a little cuddle," offered Chantelle diplomatically, before jumping onto the basketball star's bed for a lingering hug.
She promptly left the room as dirty Dennis lay back contentedly.
He's got his cuddle, but what will he be asking for next?
