AFTER weeks of controversy and not a little unpleasantness, it was good to see that in the end fair play won out as Shilpa Shetty won the controversial Celebrity Big Brother contest.

AFTER weeks of controversy and not a little unpleasantness, it was good to see that in the end fair play won out as Shilpa Shetty won the controversial Celebrity Big Brother contest.

This was a welcome victory for grace over ugly bullying. It was a victory for the victim of some of the most unpleasant scenes ever witnessed on British television.

Arguments are set to continue over whether the bullying was racially motivated or not - but what is clear is that there was very nasty bullying whether it was racial or class-based.

And what is clear is that it is the contestant with real class who captivated the hearts of the nation - and of the viewers of this voyeuristic and at times unpleasant programme.

Shilpa has emerged from the Big Brother house with a profile she had never had in this country before. The rewards for her in this country will now be substantial and good luck to her.

Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd, and Jo O'Meara have emerged with whatever reputation they had when they wend in shot to pieces.

They now have a great deal to do to make up for the damage they have caused themselves - it will take far more than a high-profile visit from Jade to India to restore anyone's reputation.

WHATEVER happened to the Portman Road roar?

Ipswich Town are through to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in more than a decade after overcoming a stubborn, if uninspired, Swansea City side.

However a stranger who arrived at Portman Road on Saturday would have been forgiven for thinking the Swans were the home team as their 2,500 fans gave them superb backing throughout the match.

The out-sung the Town fans throughout the 90 minutes, reminding those with long memories exactly why a frustrated Bobby Robson once described Blues supporters as “Zombies” after yet another victory was greeted by near-silence.

Their team may have been dull and cynical, but no one can deny that the Welsh supporters who had travelled hundreds of miles across the country were the winning fans on Saturday.

Let's hope the North Stand diehards - and everyone else in the stadium - took note of their passion and are prepared to give the same backing to the Super Blues in the next round.

AFTER all the tragedy that has hit him over the last few months, it is good to be able to report that the courts have taken a compassionate and sensible attitude in dealing with Jon Simpson, the boyfriend of Gemma Adams, one of the five women killed last year.

Simpson was arrested after attacking a police officer after being stopped on suspicion of driving offences - but it is clear that his mind was affected by the dreadful events that had clouded his life.

Now he has been spared prison, but told to stay totally away from Ipswich and stay with his father in Scotland.

By sending him away from this area back to his family, the court is giving him the chance to rebuild his life. We hope he takes this opportunity.