[Arneldo]

Big Brother 8 winner Brian Belo has claimed that the show is better off without so much press attention.

The reality TV star, 22, said that the Channel 4 series had become more enjoyable for viewers since tabloid newspapers stopped "forcing characters" upon them.

He also insisted that the gradual drop in ratings over recent seasons wasn't down to a decline in the programme's quality.

"I'm enjoying this series more than what are commonly considered more popular years," he told DS. "I think it's a shame really that people look at paper inches and column inches as to whether a TV show is good or not.

"If you just watch it, I think most people agree it's a good show and there's some good housemates. It's not as well-written about as it used to be, but I think when the papers were obsessed it ruined the show a little as they forced characters upon us.

"Now the viewers can decide themselves whether they take or leave the characters."

Belo has been appearing regularly as a guest on this year's Big Brother's Big Mouth.

DS