Imogen on why BB put Welsh on map

Imogen said it had been 'lovely' re-uniting with her family on Friday

Former Miss Wales Imogen Thomas has spoken of her shock at the amount of interest generated in the Welsh language by Big Brother.

Viewers regularly saw Imogen, 23, from Llanelli, conversing with fellow Welsh-speaker Glyn Wise.

She joked that the programme had put Wales "on the map".

Imogen added she hoped part-time lifeguard Glyn, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, would scoop the first prize.

I want Glyn to win, but I think Pete's going to get it Imogen Thomas

Imogen was amazed to hear that the interest they had raised in the language had been compared to the amount of publicity generated by the National Eisteddfod.

Speaking on the BBC's Good Morning Wales on Monday, she said "It's mad, isn't it?".

"We've really put Wales on the map with Big Brother, I think."

The 23-year-old bar worker, who was up for eviction with Canadian waiter Richard Newman, received 62% of votes.

Imogen was up for eviction alongside Canadian Richard Newman

Imogen was the 1/25 favourite to go, with Richard at 8/1. She got a mixed reception from the crowd as she left the house.

She said it had been "lovely" re-uniting with her family on Friday and spoke of her surprise at having to miss her brother's wedding while she was inside the house.

She said: "I didn't know he was getting married, it was all like a last minute thing.

"My sister's wedding is coming up in the summer, that's what I'm really looking forward to."

Imogen said she liked all her housemates, but would stay in touch with Glyn, Aisleyne, Mikey, Grace and Nikki.

"I want Glyn to win, but I think Pete's going to get it," she predicted.