Belinda gets the boot from Big Brother

Belinda Harris-Reid tonight became the fifth housemate to be evicted from the Big Brother house.

The theatre director, 44, from Exeter, lost out to 24-year-old chef Rex Newmark, on Day 44 of the series.

Belinda was hot favourite to get the boot, at 1-8 with Paddy Power.

She predicted her fate yesterday, saying: “I’ll go, I know it. I’m 20 years older than Rex and I’m a newbie. I’m sure Rex has a big fanbase.”

Housemates had been divided on who they thought would leave. Luke told Belinda he thought Rex would go and Lisa agreed, saying: “Rex is arrogant and he’s got an attitude.”

But Michael backed Rex, telling him he had already proved he could win. He said: “Belinda, the obvious disadvantage you have is you’ve just came in the House. I think you’ll have a lot of female fans Rex.”

Belinda reflected on her Big Brother experience earlier today, saying it had been “psychologically incredibly interesting.”

She added: “Physically it’s been challenging. And emotionally, I’ve had it all. It’s kind of been like a rollercoaster.”

“I’m really pleased I’ve done the two weeks even if I have to go, I’m honoured to have been here.”

Belinda was constantly criticised by the housemates for her loud snoring during her short stint in the house.

The mum-of-two was nominated by Dale, Maysoon, Rex, Stuart and Michael, who said she was “the biggest nosey parker I have ever met in my entire life”.

The public had been voting for the next housemate to be evicted since Tuesday. Belinda received 65% of the vote.

Most of the housemates did not look surprised at the announcement, but Rex put his head in his hands in shock.

Belinda smiled and said: “It’s ok, it’s good, it’s positive. Well done Rex, be happy.

“You have been great, great people to know. Enjoy this.”

Rachel looked sad as she offered Belinda a hug, and Lisa told her: “you have been great.”

Belinda then hugged the rest of the housemates as Rex wandered around the lounge, collecting his thoughts.

Rebecca asked him: “People like you, what are you sad for?”

He replied: “I can’t believe it, again” – in reference to eviction night two weeks ago, when he again survived the public vote.

Belinda left the house at 10.35pm, to a chorus of boos.

Ignoring the hostile reception, she looked happy and excited, laughing and waving to the crowd.

As the boos increased she said, dismissively: “blah, blah, blah,” and gave the thumbs up sign.

Wearing a Union Jack skirt, she played up to the photographers, twirling and curtsying for the cameras.

In her after-show interview with presenter Davina McCall, Belinda admitted she is a nosey parker and apologised for her snoring.

Watching footage of her nocturnal habit, she laughed and said: “Well what can I say? I did ask for snore strips but Big Brother would not let me have them. Apologies.”

Belinda incorrectly guessed that Rachel and Darnell had nominated her, when in fact neither housemate had, and she admitted she had misjudged Rachel.

Belinda called the other housemates “an extraordinary bunch of people,” and reserved particular praise for Lisa, saying she was a “warrior woman. She is wonder woman”.

Belinda said she wanted trainee PE teacher Dale to win, calling him honourable, clever and nice looking, despite the fact that he nominated her.

Davina asked Belinda to close the interview with an improvised song and the theatre director leapt at the chance to perform one last time. Her impromptu lyrics praised Big Brother Nine and urged viewers to apply or “miss their chance to shine.”