[Jackie]

The housemates were quick and eager to adopt their nerdy personas for the task set by hijacker Mackenzie Crook this afternoon.

Costumes specific to each of the housemates' particular nerdy hobbies were provided in the store room, and soon the transformations began to take shape.

Jeremy, given the task of producing a giant rubberband ball, was given a Trekkie outfit complete with Spock ears. "Jeremy, you can't help but look cool," praised Crook, observing the events.

The bird-watching trio of Latoya, Jay and Emilia dressed into shorts, wellington boots, bobble hats, thick spectacles and bad false teeth. Eager to impress, the circus performer even added freckles and bushy eyebrows.

"How do you feel about the clothes?" Crook asked fashion designer Jay. "I'm loving it," came the unexpected answer.

Model-maker Anthony was similarly thrilled, enthusing: "I think these are pretty cool. My tweed jacket, I look like Ross from Friends. The hijacker gave the boxer's ensemble a thumbs-up, commenting: "The shirt coming out the flies is a touch of genius – leave it."

However, his hobby partner Calista was less keen to frump it up. Jazzing up her dowdy over-sized jumper with a hat, she was reprimanded by Crook who insisted that it "wasn't nerdy enough".

Fantasy role-players Nathan, Amy and John got kitted out in helmets, tunics and fake swords and shields.

To complete the transformation, Crook advised the housemates to "practise their nerdy voices". Amy developed a snorting laugh while Nathan sought to find his inner nerd. "I need to get my voice better than that," said the R'n'B star. "It's not geeky enough."