[James]

1 October 2006
BB DOG FIGHT ENDS IN A DRAW
By Michael Duffy

A JUDGE has settled a dog custody battle between two Big Brother stars... ordering JOINT CUSTODY.

Former BB lovebirds Melanie Hill and Alex Sibley became embroiled in a £25,000 dogfight over Poppy, their Staffordshire bull-terrier, when their relationship ended.

Poppy had been living with BB1 star Mel, 31, at her home in Muswell Hill, North London.

But former model Alex, 27, wanted the three-year-old pet to live with him at his flat in Woolwich Arsenal, South London.

And he claimed Mel had dognapped Poppy denying him access.

BB3 contestant Alex told the court: "We were like a little pack, myself, Melanie and Poppy."

Clerkenwell County Court backed his right to see the dog for two of every five weeks and ordered Melanie to pay 80 per cent of his costs.

Melanie said: "His interest seemed to increase as our relationship soured."

www.sundaymirror.co.uk