Shilpa shines brightest for Big Brother viewers
Shilpa was the firm favourite to win the contest, considered the most controversial in the show’s history after she became the victim of alleged racist bullying by fellow contestant Jade Goody.
She beat the other last remaining contestant, singer Jermaine Jackson, the 52-year-old brother of Michael Jackson.
Shilpa let out a lengthy scream when host Davina McCall announced the vote, saying: “I can’t believe it.”
Bookies had the Indian actress at 1/6 odds-on favourite to win.
At an interview immediately after his eviction, Jermaine told Davina of the race row: “I happen to like Jade. She is who she is. But Shilpa is from another culture and they did not fit.”
The housemates were whittled down to the remaining two with the eviction of US television star Dirk Benedict.
He left the house immediately, leaving Shilpa and singer Jermaine Jackson waiting for the final vote.
On leaving the house he hugged both and said: “You poor kids, I’ll see you later,” before adding “I’m loving Shilpa”.
Dirk, 61, who is best known for his role as Templeton ‘The Face’ Peck in 80s show The A Team, conducted a flirting campaign with Shilpa during his time in the house.
He admitted to having a “crush” on the star, telling Davina: “She has an innate elegance that I like.”
