IPSWICH-born Big Brother contestant Darnell Swallow is today spending his first day in the Big Brother House.

IPSWICH-born Big Brother contestant Darnell Swallow is today spending his first day in the Big Brother House.

Mr Swallow, a song writer from London, was born in the town but grew up in America.

The 26-year-old albino, who entered the Big Brother house last night, told show host Davina McCall that he was 100per cent British and had never watched the programme. He also said he honestly believes money can't buy happiness.

And as betting opens for the reality show Mr Swallow has attracted odds of 12 to one to be the outright winner with bookmaker Paddy Power.

According to Channel 4, Mr Swallow was deported to the UK after getting involved with gang culture in the United States. He grew up in St Louis and focuses much of his time mentoring community groups.

He describes himself as caring and sensitive but often talks too much and says the wrong things.

The R'n'B lover gives himself three out of 10 for physical attractiveness and says he is “way too skinny with a massive head.”

Currently single, Mr Swallow has said he would like to meet some cute girls in the house - maybe even his future wife.

He has already received support with a number of fan messages posted about him on the Big Brother website including “I truly hope this guy is looked after and not disrespected.” and “This guy is fab he seems so gentle and kind.”

Last night's live launch show saw the 16 new housemates enter in the ninth series of the reality show.

The contestants include a Thai masseuse and the show's first blind housemate.

Early drama is expected from Mario Marconi, 42, and Stephanie McMichael, 19, who were set an opening night challenge by Big Brother to convince other housemates they are a couple.

The task has been made more complicated by the fact that Mario's real-life partner, Lisa Appleton, 40, is in the house with him as a fellow contestant.

Success in the task will guarantee them immunity from the first eviction, however, things are set to get tougher for the pair as presenter Davina McCall let slip that Big Brother is planning a surprise live TV wedding.

Tune in to see more of Mr Swallow on Channel 4 at 9pm tonight and for more information about the show visit www.channel4.com/bigbrother

Do you know Darnell Swallow? Contact the newsdesk on 01473 324788 or email james.marston@eveningstar.co.uk

Are you a Big Brother fan? or is it outdated? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Rebecca Shiner, 21, a kindergarten nurse from Coventry.

Kathreya Kasisopa, 30, a Buddhist originally from Thailand

Opinionated Jennifer Clark, 22, a part-time model and mother from Durham.

Sylvia Barrie, 21, originally from Sierra Leone is a psychology student at Derby University.

Rachel Rice, 24, is a former actress from Torfaen, Wales.

Dennis McHugh, 23, a dance student from Edinburgh.

Dale Howard, 21, a PE teacher from Liverpool.

Mohamed Mohamed, 23, a Hamleys toy demonstrator, from London.

Rex Newmark, 24, an executive chef from London.

Luke Marsden, 20, a politics student from Wigan.

Mikey Hughes, 33, a blind man from Ayrshire, Scotland

Mario Marconi, 42, a Home Office worker from Warrington.

Stephanie McMichael, 19, a student from Liverpool

Lisa Appleton, 40, a sales rep from Warrington

Alexandra De-Gale, 23, an accounts executive from Croydon.

The first Big Brother broadcast was in the Netherlands in 1999.