FORMER Ipswich Town star Jason Dozzell today spoke of his pride after he revealed his nephew is among the contestants in the Big Brother television show.

FORMER Ipswich Town star Jason Dozzell today spoke of his pride after he revealed his nephew is among the contestants in the Big Brother television show.

Mr Dozzell, a former England under 21 international, revealed the Big Brother star is the son of his half-brother Tony Swallow.

The 26-year-old albino - who now lives in London - entered the Big Brother house on Thursday evening.

Mr Dozzell said: “We couldn't believe it. It's a bit strange but we're really proud of him. I've been to see my mum, Darnell's Grandmother Frances, and we're going to be glued to the telly.”

The former midfielder said he had seen his nephew since his return to the UK.

He said: “He went to America to live with his mother when he was about seven or eight and I remember him as a kid.”

The 40-year-old, who lives close to his former club ground in Portman Road, said he would be busy watching the European championships as well as his nephew this summer.

He added: “He's a lovely lad. He's very intelligent and smart and he's friendly. We wish him the best and we're all hoping he's going to win.

“He said he was doing something with Channel 4 but we didn't realise it was Big Brother.”

As he entered the house Mr Swallow told show host Davina McCall he had never watched the programme.

And as betting opens for the reality show, odds have shortened on Mr Swallow winning the game show from 12 to one yesterday to 10 to one today with bookmaker Paddy Power.

Do you know Mr Swallow? Contact our entertainments reporter James Marston on 01473 324731.

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 Or is it outdated?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

IPSWICH-based friends of Darnell Swallow have been contacting the Evening Star to add their support.

Super Williams, 23, of Norwich road, said: “I couldn't believe it when I saw Darnell on television. He's a great guy. He can rap and sing.

“I knew him when he arrived in London last year. He didn't know anyone so I showed him round and helped him find a house.

“Me and all my friends will be voting for him.”

Marcus King, a childhood friend of Mr Swallow, said he remembers a friendly teenager when they met in St Louis, in America, where Mr Swallow grew up.

Mr King said: “I was about 12 and Darnell was about 16. His family knew my aunt and we met up when I went out to America.

“We swam in his pool and played computer games. He was like any other 16-year-old.”

Mr King, 21, of Landseer Road, Ipswich, said he and his family would be supporting Mr Swallow during the show.

He said: “I was surprised when I saw him go in to the house. I didn't realise he was in the UK. Well be watching the show and voting to keep him in.”