[Arneldo]

THERE was a time when reality fame seemed like a dream come true.

Shows like Big Brother lifted ordinary people from mundane lives and transformed them into stars overnight.

Just look at Jade Goody. One minute she’s a div from Essex who doesn’t know East Anglia’s in the UK, and the next she’s a millionaire with the most successful perfume launch of the year.

Of course, not every reality story has a happy ending. In fact, you could be forgiven for thinking there's a curse attached to taking part in Big Brother.

As rumours emerge that Pete and Nikki were never in a real relationship at all – and fur begins to fly about who was the worst in bed – it seems a brief media frenzy is the most our reality stars can expect.

Since Big Brother’s launch in 2000, housemates have left the house only to endure muggings, rape, abuse and depression.

Clinical psychologist Ron Bracey reckons this was almost inevitable: “People put themselves forward for Big Brother because they’re insecure.

“They want to feel special and have people like them yet just the opposite is often the result.

“Instead of the fame and attention they crave, they are quickly forgotten or, worse, attacked for the kind of person they were on TV.

“My advice to anybody wanting to take part in Big Brother is this: see it as a holiday and the chance to meet new people but nothing else.

“The chances of you achieving lasting fame and happiness from your stint on the show are slim-to-none.

Wise words. Particularly when you consider the fickle hand fate has dealt the BB contestants above.

With : Grace BB7, Lesley BB6, Sezer BB7, Bonnie BB7, Nush BB4, Narinder BB2, Alex/Mel BB3/1, Claire/Tom BB1 & Nadia BB5.

The Sun --- Story HERE