Dowling crowned Ultimate Big Brother winner

FROM trolley dolly to reality television king, Brian Dowling was last night crowned the winner of Ultimate Big Brother.

A shocked-looking Dowling won the public vote, beating Nikki Grahame to the prize.

The former Ryanair steward was catapulted to fame after winning Big Brother 2 in 2001.

Dowling repeatedly yelled “Oh my God!” when his name was called and hugged Grahame.

“I love you. Well done,” she said, before heading outside.

Grahame, who first entered the house in 2006 dressed as a Playboy bunny, was known for her tantrums.

In third place was Chantelle Houghton who won Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 despite being the only house-mate who was not actually famous.

Runner-up Grahame said taking part in Ultimate Big Brother “has meant the absolute world to me”.

“I’m so honoured to have been part of it. “It still doesn’t feel real.”

Grahame said she tried to contain her stroppy side this time around.

“You have to consider the other housemates. I have had to bite my tongue lots of times but I kind of erupted inside. I have learned to do that. It’s taken four years.” She said Dowling was “the most deserving winner”.

Grahame said Big Brother changed her life and she was “so grateful”.

The final Big Brother show paid tribute to Jade Goody. The dental nurse from Bermondsey, south London, entered the house in 2002 and became the show’s most successful star despite coming fourth.

Goody was accused of bullying and racism during a celebrity version of the show in 2007 but was forgiven by the public when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Thousands mourned her death in March last year.