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Local lad makes Big impression

Jun 18 2007

By Gareth Deighan, The Evening Chronicle

Tree surgeon Liam McGough is already one of the favourites to win this year's Big Brother.Liam, 22, of Kitswell Bungalows, Lanchester, County Durham, only entered the house this weekend but has made such an impression that bookies William Hill have given him odds of just 6-1 to win.

Liam's former boss, Andy Thompson, a contract manager for Olivers Tree Services, based in Langley Park, said today he knew exactly why.Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle about his former employee's Big Brother campaign, he said: "Liam's worked for us for about three years. He started, then went off to Tenerife for about eight months and then has been back for the last year or so."He's a great lad, very popular with everyone and very energetic. He was our employee of the year for 2006.

“ I don't normally watch the programme but I've been glued to Big Brother ever since he went in to be honest, and everyone here is behind him."Mr Thompson said no matter what stories might - or might not - come out about Liam during the course of the programme, he knows him as a caring, family man.He said: "His mother is not well, she has MS, and he cares for her as well as having the job with us. He has to get her up in the morning and things like that, so he has done a lot before he has even got to work."He does like to be the centre of attention at work though, and is always doing magic tricks and things like that. And I am led to believe he is popular with the ladies."I knew he was going in to the house a little bit before others, it was all top secret but he had to tell me he wouldn't be at work.

"He actually quit his job when Big Brother started and only found out he wasn't going in at the start of the competition about 20 minutes before he was due to. So he came back and started working three days a week."The last time I saw him I told him off for being three minutes late! Then, on Tuesday I got a text message saying he wouldn't be in and to tell the other lads he was bad. I knew then he must be going in and now everyone's right behind him."This is the third time Liam has tried to get into the house and, since his arrival on Friday, he has already made an impact.

Liam last night provided entertainment by splashing around in the pool.His dad Joseph, a pigeon fancier, said: "I think he has handled himself well so far. It is bizarre watching my son on television."And Graham Sharp, of William Hill, said: "Liam has the profile of a winner as he is young, good looking and easy going. We think he will appeal to the voters and he has every chance of winning."His odds of being next out are 20-1 and we think he will do well so we did not want to take any chances with his price."Liam maintains his philosophy is to "enjoy life, and make sure others enjoy theirs" and thinks he'll do well in the house because he is "very competitive, but also team-orientated".Liam says he hates rudeness, and would like to have his own business.

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