Big Brother's Craig still in spotlight

Big Brother's Craig enjoying his 15 minutes of fame

The original Big Brother made overnight stars out of the 10 contestants but the majority faded back to obscurity.

For winner Craig Phillips, his 15 minutes of fame are far from over.

He won the hearts of the nation when he announced he was going to give his winnings to his young disabled cousin Joanna Harris.

While inside the Big Brother house, Phillips had appeared to be one of the only contestants not in it to become famous.

He had a successful building company to return to and seemed content with his lot.

Craig walked from the house a winner

On his release from the confines of the house it was a different story.

A lucrative record deal with Warner Brothers saw him release a Christmas single called At This Time of Year.

His management had tipped it to hit the top spot but it did not make the expected impact and the Christmas number one went to Bob the Builder.

DIY expert

There has been no mention of his music career since.

But Phillips has found himself a new niche as resident handyman on the daily BBC One show Housecall.

In the mould of Tommy Walsh from Ground Force, who is also on the show, Phillips shows viewers the easiest and quickest way to DIY.

Alongside Lowri Turner, Phillips has become an accomplished television presenter and displays great knowledge on his subject.

He also helped launch a Christmas anti-drink drive campaign - his father was killed by a drunk motorist in 1984.

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Memorable scenes followed his departure from the Big Brother house when he met up with up with his cousin and told her she was going to America for treatment with his £70,000 prize money.

Former Irish nun Anna Nolan had been tipped by the bookies to come out on top at the beginning.

Phillips was nominated for eviction by his housemates on no less than four occasions but the public wanted him to stay.

He became a firm favourite over the calm and collected way he dealt with Nasty Nick Bateman when his treachery was discovered.

He was the one that led the kangaroo court which led to Bateman being expelled from the house.

His down-to-earth manner and tall stories kept viewers amused.

His close relationship with housemate Claire Stratton also seemed to put him in a favourable light.