Countdown on to eviction for Alexandra or Mario

Alexandra and Mario are today waking up in the knowledge that their days in the Big Brother house could be numbered.

The pair are set to face the public vote on Friday after being nominated for eviction by their fellow housemates. Alexandra De-Gale clocked up nine votes, while Mario Marconi followed closely with seven.

Yesterday they both looked relaxed as, dressed in Japanese outfits as part of their latest task, their learnt of their fate. Mario smiled as his name was read out, while Alexandra asked out loud “Are you joking?”

Mario’s girlfriend, Lisa Appleton, who unsurprisingly did not nominate him, shook her head in disbelief. As Michael Hughes offered his condolences to 43-year-old Mario, Alexandra, 23, headed off to the bathroom for some time alone.

Nominating Alexandra, Dale Howard said: “She’s trying to be nice so she won’t be up for nomination. I think she’s playing a game.”

It was a sentiment shared by Michael who claimed: “She’s being nicey nicey over the past few days and it doesn’t fool me.”

Mario earnt a nomination from Jennifer Clark who moaned that she didn’t like “the way he acts like my Dad,” while Dale said: “He’s patronising – he thinks he’s the Dad and we are the kids.”

For their own nominations, Alex picked Rex Newmark and Dennis McHugh. Mario chose Sylvia Barrie and Dennis.