Shilpa wins 'Big Brother'

Add as a preferred source on Google

London, Jan 29 (UNI) Attracting widespread sympathy after being bullied by fellow contestant Jade Goody, firm favourite Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty was voted the winner of Celebrity Big Brother edging out 13 contestants and winning the prize money of one lakh UK pounds.

The 31-year-old actor won the game show by an overwhelming 63 per cent votes last night. In the grand finale, Shilpa overwhelmed Jermaine Jackson, the elder brother of international pop star Michael Jackson. Dirk Benedict stood third in the contest.

Cooped in specially-designed Big Brother house for 26 days under 24-hour surveillance Shilpa faced racial slurs by fellow housemates Jade Goody, Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd, which almost reduced her to tears.

All her woes and tribulations ended last night when Big Brother's Davina Mccall called out, ''The winner is Shilpa''. Letting out a big scream of relief she yelled, ''Oh God, oh God.'' Jackson who was the only other occupant left congratulated her and said, '' You deserved it'' to which she said, '' Are you kidding.'' The moment Shilpa stepped out of the Big Brother's house she was welcomed by a huge gathering of fans shouting her name. Greeting everyone in quite an Indian style she said, ''Thank you, thank you.'' The crowd also shouted 'Chicken curry for you' in referecne to the row Jade Goody had created when Shilpa had cooked the dish.

When told of the international incident which had erupted outside the house over the racial comments against her, Shilpa said she had an ''inkling'' it was over the racism issue. Shilpa looked stunned as she watched the footage of her tormentors Jade, Jo and Danielle mimicking her accent, swearing and abusing her behind her back.

She sought to paly down the vicious and petty attack, excusing Jade and her gang of followers of racist behaviour. It was such an attitude that made her the winner.

''Jade really didn't mean to be racist, I can say that for sure,'' she said. ''Yes, she can be aggressive and short-tempered but she's not racist. So, if this has created a furore I want to put things to rest and say she's not a racist.

''I just want to thank the whole Great Britain to have given me the opportunity to make my country proud... I do not want to leave from here remembering that I left behind some kind of trouble.'' She now eyes Hollywood and is now destined to make a few million of pounds from sponsorships and interviews, even from films. It is said the Sun has agreed to give her a six figure fee for her first interview. In another ironic twist it is reported that the agent of Jade Goody has signed her up for a million pound deals.