Big Brother beats news bulletins

The housemates must choose who they want to leave

The first nominations for eviction from Big Brother take place on Friday as unofficial figures reveal the show is attracting more viewers than the BBC's Ten O'Clock News.

On both Wednesday and Thursday night, the Channel 4 show attracted more viewers at its peak than the BBC's main news bulletin, according to the figures.

On Wednesday the BBC bulletin attracted 4.3 million viewers, while Big Brother 2 was watched by 4.4 million.

Although the BBC started well on Thursday at 4.1 million viewers, compared to Big Brother's 3.3 million, it was overtaken.

Anne, Josh and Natasha await voting results

At 2215 BST Big Brother had reached an audience of 4.2 million while the Ten O'Clock News dipped to 4.1 million.

ITV's News at Ten had just 3.3 million viewers at that time - although on Wednesday it had an average of 10.1 million viewers.

Nomination day for the housemates has been brought forward from Monday to Friday.

They will pick their two least favourite contestants live as they enter the diary room from 2230 (BST).

The public will then be given their first chance to vote for who they want to leave the house on 8 June.

A new twist for this series will also see a new contestant voted into the house from a choice of three candidates.

Part-time model Natasha is the firm favourite to become the 11th contestant, followed by Josh and grandmother Anne.

The winner will be unveiled during the live nomination broadcast.

Penny was offended by Stuart's comments

Growing tensions inside the house between some contestants has helped boost ratings.

Penny and Stuart were caught on camera rowing in front of the rest of the group.

Offended

Penny became upset when Stuart said she was the only female in the house he did not fancy.

Meanwhile Bubble's attempts to get the England vs Greece game shown in the house continue unabated.

Having declared his own religion requires that he watch it, Dean has now told Big Brother he has joined the Church of Bubble.

Citing infringement of human rights, he said the few rules the religion has require him to watch England on TV.

After being reminded of the rules of no outside contact, he left the diary room saying "fair enough".