[Romantic Old Bird]

I don't think Slick Vic will be 'mauled' when he comes out.

Neither do I think that he is stupid. He worked out quite a lot of things before they happened. I'm not defending him, but he is playing the game, and playing it effectively.

Do you see how he purposfully wound up the simmering Jason after the Nadia debacle the other night? he went out to the sulky, ginger bearded one and told him they were talking about him. As Jason stormed back into the living room to confront nadia and all hell ensued, Victor definitely had a well-pleased semi-discreet smile. He is playing Jason, he is definitely playing Ahmed, and he is starting to presnt 'reasonable, thoughtful Victor' to the other housemates and the populace abroad.

He discussed the flying flip-flop (hilarious) incident as if it were a matter of great gravitas, with a straight face.

He has gone up in my estimation a little. I think away from the Ahmed situation, and better still from the Glaswegan Gargoyle, he would be excellent value for money. You would need someone to potentially clash with Nadia, or it would descend into the sleepfest of 2003. It can't ever become like the angst-ridden cliff-hanger of 2001, because all the endearing factors are missing. It isn't as unpleasant as 2002, which was just too messed with in the divide and lacked the right mix of people.

This strange and wonderful group of people have become a cohesive group, against all the odds. With the exception of the odd and on occasion frankly scary Ahmed. He is the typical group 'scapegoat'. The outsider who is variously courted, humoured and ignored.

I am quite concerned at his dissociative tendencies - it is never his responsibility remember. I hope security are on close standby in case he really flips. If he does, I suspect Sheriff Stu and Deadpan Dan will have their work cut out defending Michelle.

And Victor.......well, he'll just sit back, suss it out, and decide how to play it. This bloke is certainly no mug.