[James]

SO WHO ARE YOU CALLING AN UGLY BIG SISTER?

Oct 4 2004

Federico drags it up for BB panto

By Paula Murray

THIS is Big Brother's Federico Martone as you've never seen him before - dressed up as a Big Sister.

The reality show's producers at Endemol have approached housemates from past series to create a new version of the cult programme.

And Scot Federico wants to be cast as an ugly sister for a BB reunion this Christmas.

After another stint in a special house equipped with cameras, the BB cast would perform their version of a classic Christmas panto.

To see what Federico would look like as an ugly sister, he was kitted up at the King's Theatre in Glasgow in the outfit Johnny Watson wore a couple of years ago in the production of Cinderella.

Federico said: 'See, you can't make me ugly even if you try. This is really me. I'm ready to go out again.'

The King's celebrates its centenary this year and will show Christmas panto Mother Goose starring Elaine C Smith and Gerard Kelly.

Federico, who outraged viewers by calling women 'slappers' on Big Brother in 2003, admitted he was aware 'something was brewing'.

The 24-year-old added: 'I've never spoken to anyone at Endemol personally but they have contacted some of the housemates' agents - including mine.

'I would be prepared to do it in principle. And I would love to be a dame and dress up as a woman because I rather enjoy that. It's along the lines of what I normally get up to during the weekends anyway.

'I love Christmas pantomimes and I've heard about other BB contestants doing panto roles left, right and centre.

'I was offered a part when I came out of the house in 2003.'

The former waiter was the fourth housemate to be booted out of the popular TV show last year.

But he has struggled to make a career for himself in showbiz since appearing on Big Brother.

He was sacked from a breakfast show on television after swearing too much.

A spokesman for Endemol said: 'It's not been commissioned. It could well be an idea that has been discussed and maybe something to be developed if it has.'

Daily Record