DJ Norman Cook has told how he is hooked on TV programme Big Brother because he knows one of the remaining contestants.

Norman became friends with Mel when she was dating his best friend four years ago. But he said both he and his wife, Zoe Ball, want her kicked off the Channel 4 programme.

Norman, who lives in Hove, said: "I know her really well. She used to go out with one of my mates, Gareth Hansome. We used to call her Mad Mel.

"But she's not popular in our house - we're both big Anna fans."

Norman expected former Brighton University student Mel to mention his name earlier to impress housemates.

He said: "I was saying the other day how long before she mentions me. Everyone turned round and said: 'Shut up Norman, stop being such a bighead'."

Viewers saw Mel tell Anna: "Norman is strange and very eccentric but so interesting. He's such a nice bloke. I used to spend hours chatting with him."