It is 3pm on Thursday, when a cheery but slightly fluey Brian, and a somewhat excited and nervous Christine settle down for an afternoon's natter. After settling my nerves with some general chit chat re the injustice of feeling ill when you have holidays from work, and his mum's remedy for his red nose, Brian and I get down to some serious chatting, with questions put forward by members.

C: I'll get going with the first question.

B: That's fine.

C: Question No1 …

C: Do you visit the site and forum and do you read posts made by the members?

B: Yes I do! The thing is I actually don't own my own laptop but I'm buying a laptop. I've always been a technophobe, but any time that I'm at work or with Simon it's then I go through it. What I find quite bizarre is that one time I actually wanted to join in the conversation but I was a bit embarrassed cos I didn't think people would believe it was me.

C: Well when you do get yourself sorted, let me know and I'll ... well we've always reserved the name Brian for you as a member name so that .. we'll get it sorted and you could ... yeah it would be brilliant. Just if they can put their questions up on the site and you can bob on occasionally and answer questions ...

B: Yes yes of course I would. My friend Kris, he's got a computer as does Simon, and when we're at work, cos the thing is, a lot of people, when I'm doing the show and stuff people email in saying they're members and stuff so I get a chance to talk about it then.

C: Yes this is it, it's been lovely ....

B: Oh well it's an amazing site! It's amazing, the pictures on it, I keep thinking "Wow, that's a really good picture, well done Christine for picking that one!"

C: Aww thank you.

B: The girls I work with, a lot of them have websites, but they think that mine is absolutely amazing.

C: Yes it does take a lot of work, you know, we spent sort of hours and hours you know deciding which pictures to use

C: So - in a way you've answered the second question which was Do you predict an end to your phobia with computers so you are actually getting one!

B: yes - by the end of, well before Christmas, I can actually say this exclusively now, that by the end of November I will have a brand new laptop and a printer installed in my apartment. I am ending my technophobia!

C:It would be nice if we could just sort of get in touch by by email occasionally with you.

B: It might take me a while to get used to it!

C: it's surprising how quickly you learn how to use a computer, but as long as you've got the basics of replying to an email .

B: yes it's like sending text messages.

C: After confusing Brian with the intricacies of forum membership, msn and windows…

B: See now - windows?? you've already got me confused!

C: Sorry, I won't do any more! Right! OK, time to move on! Next one. Which reality shows have you been asked to take part in and turned down?

B: Well ... God I hate saying that because it's .... I have been asked to take part in reality TV shows and I mean I'm not going to say which ones cos I think that's slightly unfair... but i have been asked to take part in reality TV shows, and I;ve just ... never ... felt ... I've never really ... I think it's that I'm quite lucky that I'm working constantly and I'm still doing stuff ... if I wasn't doing anything I probably would take part in a reality show ... but I think because in my opinion I did Big Brother which is the best one to do, and it went so so well for me, you know getting all those votes and then being voted number 1 housemate a while back. So I just think that I don't think I'm ready to do one just yet, but you never say never.

C: that's it isnt it? Although I must admit I'd love to see you doing Strictly Come Dancing!

B: Well that would be fun because of Tess - cos I think Tess would want me to win.

C: It would be lovely to see you together again

B: I was out with her about 2 weeks ago and aww we had such a laugh.

C: yes honestly, you got on so well, unbelievable really

B: I love Tessie

C: yeah, I'm not surprised! The next question from someone was - Out of all the public appearances, awards shows, celeb nights out, which has been the most memorable and why?

B: The most memorable one for me was when I got asked to host the Elle Style Awards, the fashion awards. That was absolutely AMAZING. That was the crème de la crème of London
Fashion Week, and the awards show, I co-hosted with Jo Whiley, who's an amazing presenter and radio broadcaster and I'm a fan of hers, but just to do it with the celebrities that were in the room, you know, actors, massive designers, Stella McCartney, Tom Forde, it was just amazing, I couldn't believe that I got asked to host it. As a guy who came from Big Brother it was just phenomenal that I got asked to host the Elle Style Fashion awards, a zhuzhy, chic fashion magazine.

C: And just you!

B: Yes, as some DO say Christine? That to me would still be ... you know .. that and I suppose SM:tv, but if going to an award or public appearance, it would be Elle Style Fashion Awards.

C: Right, that's lovely, thank you very much. And going back to one of your past series, Brian's Boyfriends, could you say which was your favourite makeover?

B: Which was my favourite makeover? Just trying to remember ... I think it would be the French guy. We did a makeover with a French gentleman.

C: My favourite - he was absolutely gorgeous.

B: I think he worked in a gym or something, and he was a bit shy to start with, with curly hair, and we straightened it and he was ab-ssolutely beautiful.

C: Yes he was

B: I think he was a male model! I asked him to come home with me and he said NO.

C: I'm not surprised.

B: Wasn't for want of trying Christine! I tell you, I THREW myself at him that day, unbuttoning my
shirt, holding in my tummy, but he wasn't interested.

C: I know, he was absolutely lovely, I always remember him saying something about you'd stay in his heart, I remember that

B: Yeah! that was sooo lovely. He had a little girl, and he had a girlfriend, he was genuinely lovely. And obviously gorgeous.

C: Absolutely. Right, thank you very much. Going on to what you're doing now, someone's asked would you sign for a third series of The Mint if asked?

B: Would I re-do it again? YES I would. It's been one of those things that was the right thing to do. The stuff that I've got from it and hopefully the stuff it will lead to will be amazing because it's on ITV.

C: Yes it is, that's true, and I think it's also - my own opinion - it's brought you back to everyone again.

B: Well that's the thing, you know, I think a lot of people don't have Living television or people that wouldn't have had Sky - EVERYone has ITV.

C: And we're seeing Brian as we saw him on Big Brother, you've got that freedom haven't you?

B: The freedom to actually be myself and it gets me back out there. And I really do enjoy doing the show. It's actually done really really well, it rates really well, the calls are amazing, and it actually gets a lot of press.

C: Yes it does, it's really doing well isn't it?

B: You know, it;s one of those things that ... I think it's the best show, of it's kind out there, nothing competes, you know, compares to it. We've actually got celebrity guests that WANT to come on the show. We do give away loads of money and I think the show looks good, it's sexy and it gives me the freedom again to be myself, and also to cater for the ITV people that watch. I've re-signed now until January.

C: Are you sort of disappointed you're not involved with the celebrations this week .. or ... are you not bothered?

B: Well not realllly - that sounds really bad - (laughs) I did the first one, and I think it's just the way that it goes with rosters and stuff. I think Cat Porter's on tonight and Cat's not had a winner. Myself, Craig and Kat Shoob have, plus Beverley's away, so...

C: Also, speaking of Beverley, would you still like to do an interview with Beverley?

B: Yes of course!

C: That would be absolutely fantastic. It would be nice if we could do one sort of face-to-face with her, you know, if we could meet up, you know, either ...

B: Yes of course, I know Beverley would be dying to do that

C: And could I ... I'd really would .. I've just sort of ... I'd love to actually meet her because I think we'd just get on so well with her.

B: I know, it's very rare that you, you know ...it's like I bonded with Tess in the same way as I bond with Bev, as opposed to Kat Shoob. There's just that connection, and it's very rare that you get that when you're working, especially with people you don't know. Because you're literally brought in and told "this is your co-host" and we just get on really well.

C: That's brilliant. That's lovely. And following on from that another question, do you prefer working alone or with a co-presenter?

B: I enjoy ... it kind of depends on the kind of show it is. On a show like The Mint I think you've got to work with someone, and I've got because my first job in television was SM:tv and there was four presenters - there was me, Tess Daly, Cat Deeley and James Redmond, and then it became a two-hander with Tess and I, so I'm used to actually working with other people. So I do enjoy working with ... but then I enjoy, you know, being on my own sometimes. Either or.

C: I must admit I really really enjoyed Sunday's show. I thought it was absolutely fantastic.

B: Oh did you? I went a little crazy.

C: Aww no you didn't! It's just lovely to hear all the stories about, you know from the airlines and stuff.

B: If i had I chocolate bar, a Crunchie, I go berserk. I'm like a hyper child. Yep they're all going "keep him away from the Crunchie!" so they don't give me anymore Crunchies.

C: Oh no - give you a few more!

B: Actually I enjoyed doing that show because it's a day one, but we actually got it because the show did so well on ITV1, they gave us a spin-off, and I enjoy doing it because it's only three hours, but I think it gives viewers a chance to know the presenter a bit more.

C: Yes it does. You've got that time haven't you that you don't get with all the calls, you haven't got the same volume of calls.

B: And it enables you to ... not entertain, but let people see why your doing it, if that makes sense. I've only got ... I think I'm doing two more in November and one or two in December that's all I'm doing.

C: It used to be nice when the main show, you know, used to be on ITV2 as well, and that would sort of give it a bit more time didn't it? I remember when you had the butlers on, that was absolutely fantastic.

B: Oh yes, well the format of the show changes all the time. I think it's quite good that they change it, cos you never quite know what's going to happen next.

C: Yes cos it keeps it really fresh.

B: Coupled with the fact we're still on ITV1

C: Yes. Yes, and so shall it continue. I'm not really keen on the new one that's on the main channel on ... Make Your Play.

B: it's not the kind of show I would do because I feel it's not that entertaining, and the set is quite intense. But I just think you know ITV have just tried something new.

C: Yes I suppose you've got to have the variety

B: I think nowadays, people who watch television expect so much, that I think it's always good to have something different.

C: That's true, totally. Right the next one ... Would you ever consider doing an autobiography?

B: Uhh ... you know what? I'm very private ... I suppose that's quite bizarre coming from a guy that was on Big Brother, but I am very private and you know, I like to keep my private life private, and I don't think that's a bad thing. And I think if it ever came to an autobiography I think yes but I just don't think yet, I don't really have that much to talk about! I'm sure I do, don't get me wrong, with the flying, being a holiday rep, going on and winning Big Brother, and then working in television, but I think yeah there's always a time and a place, but in a few years time and I'm in a serious relationship and I've settled down, maybe then I'll (sexy voice) open my diary. I just don't think I've got anything people will want to read about! I don't think they would!

C: You're joking!! Of course they would!

B: There's a time and a place and if I ever feel the need. When you're doing an autobiography, you're doing it for a reason. Like if I, you know, gave up on television or moved away or maybe like when I'm older and settled down - but nowadays people just do them far too early.

C: yeah, I agree totally.

B: I mean Jade's had two I think!

C: Right on to the next one,
You must have had the opportunity to gather lots of memorabilia from the last 5 years, have you kept any items, and if so, which one is the most precious to you?

B: I've kept the Brian's Brain crown, that I got from SM:tv, I've kept the orange t-shirt that I wore going in to Big Brother, vile orange t-shirt! and what else ... ? Not really .. oh, lots and lots of pictures ... but memorabilia ... umm ... oh the outfit I wore when I left Big Brother - the jeans and the shirt. That's really it! Nothing else really.

C: You haven't got a big box stored away with all lots and lots of bits in ...

B: I've got my last script. From SM:tv. I've got nothing .. no, cos I've got loads of pictures and

C: This is it, yes and when you think about it everything's on videos and dvds and ...

B: Yes I've got loads of tapes

C: I know - haven't we all? Embarrassingly!
Right, next question. You've talked about going it alone without a partner to raise a child. Do you still feel the same now? And if so would it be in the distant future or more imminent?

B: I would think that if I was going to raise a child, it probably is something that I would want to do by myself. I would love to have a child, I just think in this day and age, you know, it would be easier to raise a child with a same sex you know, with two people. But I just think, from a kids point of view. I think it's quite bad of me saying that, but I think if I was going to have a child, it is something that I'd want to do by myself, and I'd want to do it my way. I've got six sisters and I've got two nieces so I think I kind of would like to have a child, I would like to be, you know, a dad. But I'd like to think *sigh* I'd like to say, before I'm 40. I don't know, it's something that I'd say .. I would like to have a child. I don't know if that would happen. I am quite maternal. obviously with six sisters and I'm the eldest brother ... I kind of think I WOULD like to do it. You know, if you meet the right person, and you settle down, it may be something that I'd like to do with them, but the way I feel right now, it would be something that I'd want to do by myself. If that makes sense. Loads of people are single parents these days. You know people say in this day and age it's so easy to be gay and of course it is, but I think you know if you do have a kid, people get bullied for all sort of things, and I kind of think maybe I'll have to be self-LESS and NOT have a child.

C: It would be such a shame when you've so much love to give them.

B: Of course, it would be a shame, but I've got two little nieces and my sister's pregnant with her second baby, she's due in December, so ...

C: And they wrap you around their little fingers I bet don't they.

B: Yes and when they come and stay with me in London - oh my god, they put chocolate everywhere, it's unbelievable, as if they do it on purpose. They do that cos they know it's me! They're 5 and 4, so they're at that stage where they're actually becoming people, and they're answering back and swearing. Very naughty!

C: Children are children aren't they?

B: But I love them, they're mine. Well they're not mine, they're my nieces.

C: But you can give them back can't you?

B: Yes I can give them back. Maybe I can rent a baby

C: When you're not working - "I'll have one on my days off!" (laugh)

Next question, I suppose it falls in with that, is are you good at making decisions?

B: I'm very good at making decisions, I think I'm quite mature and I'm very independent so I think I'm very good at making decisions. I think I'm also a good judge of character. Good at making decisions and a good judge of character.

C: What makes you happy, and what's your idea of happiness?

B: What makes me happy ... happiness ... well what makes me happy being around my friends, and also things being comfortable and having nothing to worry about makes me happy, but also, you know, I was happy yesterday because I was able to relax, I wasn't at work and I was able to cook myself a nice meal and watch television. I also enjoy being on my own sometimes, because of the job, being out there and lalala it's quite good to actually, I actually enjoy spending time on my own.

C: That's such a good thing really isnt it? If someone can be happy with themselves.

B: The thing is I think happiness begins when you look in the mirror you're going to be happy. Don't get me wrong, some days I look in the mirror and I go "ugh Brian, you're horrid" but other days I go "Oh! not bad today Brian! Only one wrinkle! Not bad!" As long as my family and friends are all healthy and happy and I'm working and everything's ok I'm actually quite easy to please really.

C: What is your greatest fear?

B: Ermm .. dying alone. Yeah it would be ending up alone, on the shelf. That would be horrible.

C: I don't think it'll happen.
Do you get bored often?

B: I do get bored sometimes! Yes. Not that often. I'm quite lucky, but I do get bored sometimes.

C: It is coming towards the end of the year, so what's been your best moment this year, and your worst? And what do you wish for for Christmas?

B: Best moment (long pause) "Wheee! My sister getting pregnant, cos it was really important for her and she'd been trying, we're all really happy for her cos everyone tells me it's a boy. I'm the only boy born since 1978, no other boys have been born in my family. 28 years.

C: That's a long time isn't it, without any boys. And what's been your worst moment?

B: Ending a relationship. Coming out of a relationship after a few years. I think relationships are all hard, I think it was the end of February. Ending any relationship, whether it be a personal relationship, with a partner, or whether it be a friend relationship, that was quite tough. You have to do things don't you.

C: And are you sort of feeling ok now?

B: Oh I'm fine! I'm back in the game Christine! I've got myself back in the game definitely! As they say, I'm testing the water!

C: Have you thought that on November 5th everyone that meets you will be called Mike and Michael.

B: Yep! Hopefully!

C: They'll all come up and say "I'm Michael"

B: It's so bizarre that ... I was on the train, after getting the psychic reading, and this guy spoke to me and he got off the train after chatting with me and his name was Mark. How random!! Everyone I see now called Michael, even the ones in Sainsbury's I'm like "Hiiiiii!" looking at the name badge on them! "ooh he looks like he's married - I don't care his name is Michael!"

C: Well I hope it does work out

B: You know what, the best thing is, when you're not looking for it, it happens.

C: That's what should happen really isn't it?

B: yes, you know I'm quite happy, I'm quite happy right now, doing my thing. You know, I think if I got to the age of say 30 maybe and I was still single I MIIIGHT have a nervous breakdown!

C: I must admit it must be difficult for you.

B: Oh yes, I mean I'm not going to lie, it IS difficult, but I'm not going to complain about the great job I have. I think if the bad things were bad all the time then I wouldn't be doing it, but they're not. For 10 good things, maybe one bad thing may happen. Also I think when you come out of a relationship you actually find out who YOU are again. And you kind of think well actually, you know, maybe it wasn't what I thought it was. If you look back and you're positive that's fantastic. I think it's worse if you look back and you're negative. I think from everything that happens you've got to find a good thing about it.

C: Yes, and it was a long time and you've got happy times and at the start you do feel down but then you start remembering all the good things.

B: Oh yes at the start it's very difficult, but as Kat Shoob says to me "You've got to paint that smile back on, the show must go on!"

C: Especially when you're on TV!

B: That's the great thing about the job, is that people are so lovely, and dead nice and people saying "you look nice tonight" and lalala, a lot of people, if you're having a shit day regardless of what's happened, the public are always amazing.

C: How do you feel personally about all this love that comes to you. I mean, do you find it scary or ...

B: I think for me doing Big Brother was a great learning ground, you know, becoming in the public eye. Everyone is extremely lovely. I mean you get the odd one or two people that would be a little bit rude. But everyone is, you know, probably on a daily basis, everyone is lovely! People will come up, they'll say hi, maybe they'll ask for a picture. I was in the video shop, getting a DVD yesterday, and this girl went "You're not that guy from Big Brother are you?" and for me that's so bizarre when they say Big Brother because it was 5 years ago. And they go "Oh my god you look so much better now!" and I go "I'm 5 years older - how?"

C: With doing the site and talking with people, I know how much love there is for you out there, it's unbelievable.

B: I am very very lucky that people do but you know obviously some days I can be like "Rarrrhrr" and I've always been quite lucky with the shows that I've worked on that people get to see ME, and I don't think I've changed.

C: No not at all, I was only thinking that on Sunday when you were on and I was thinking to myself ... you're still Brian!

B: Exactly, I think I'm quite grounded and a lot of that's got to do with family and friends. I still ride the tube, I still do normal things. I've always treated what I do as a job. It's an amazing job but you've still got to have a normal life and be grounded.

C: Thing is you're loved by all ages as well.

B: What was weird for me was, doing the umm the day shows, it's a completely different audience to the night show, because some people on the day show say "Oh I've not seen you on telly in ages" cos they wouldn't watch the night show. I find the older people will be viewing on the day show so it opens you up to a completely different audience.

C: Next thing is a 'What If' question for you. If you go to a desert island for twelve months and you can take with you -two friends, two lovers, and two people to entertain you. Who would you choose?

B: Two friends (clicks his tongue in thought) I'd take with me would be Simon and Kris, so that's 2 friends, two lovers -Ooh can these be celebrities?

C: Yes, Of course they can whichever you want …

B: Lovers I would take…. Davina McCall's husband Matthew, Matthew's definitely on the island…

C: Away from Davina?

B: Yes …sorry Davina. Who else would I take…. Sexy cameraman called David, we'll just call him sexy cameraman, Myself and Kat Shoob thinks he is 'well fit' …we've never even met him can I just say.

B: and people to entertain me would be…. my friend Narinder, and my friend Antony who is in Corrie.

C: Aww yes!

B: So I have got my friends to entertain me and if I need to be loved up I've got Matthew and David. It's perfect! When can I go to that island? (laughs)

C: That would be lovely wouldn't it?

B : Ooh, send me off tomorrow !!

C: And please can I come along too?

B: Of course!

C: and do all the reports, so I can keep members on the website updated, do the write-ups on the website. 'So and so has happened today'.

B: You could actually write the storyline.

C: Yes I'll do the storyline for you.

C: Another one for you, a cheeky one… right. Have you ever snogged?

C: A girl?

B: Have I ever snogged a girl? - I've only snogged a girl jokingly; well I say that - I actually snogged Kat Shoob,

C: Yes I remember you mentioning that.

B: We were both quite drunk and we were at the launch of the ITVPlay channel which is a massive thing and of course we were all up there as the stars of The Mint la la …. And then we went out in Soho and we were both quite drunk and we ended up talking about snogging. She said are you a good snog? And I'll said I'll see what … we can find out, she said I was a good snog she gave me ten out of ten.

C: There you go.

B: Kat Shoob (he says very jokingly) is a slut, throwing herself at me.

C: Oh bless her …and next. A footballer?

B: Yes I dated a footballer.

C: Oh Yes, I remember …

C: Will Young?

B: I've never snogged Will Young. No! (sigh) It's still on my wish list, it's on my ''to do'' list.

C: He's on our list of people for Brian too.

B: Before I die. 'People I must snog!'

C: Yeah. (laughs)

C: Some of the members on AB have a wish list of people for Brian. When we chat on msm we always say who 'would we like him to end up with.'

B: Will Young?

C: Yes, with Will Young!

B: I know Will, - Will's dead lovely I like him.

C: Having said that we members on AB did match make you once with your friend Simon …that was so embarrassing really.

B: It was quite fun…I kept winding Simon up about it… I love yooou!.. you're going to marry me!

C: The wedding bells the whole lot

B: Yes the whole lot. (laughs)

C: (embarrassingly we move on ) And the next one. Vernon?

B: I'd kiss Vernon but not in that way.

C: It is more a fun question.

B: I would love to kiss Vernon,

C: What about Tess?

B: Tess would never have to know.

C: What about a fan

B: Have I kissed a fan? I don't know if I have ever kissed a fan I would never deliberately snog a fan but if I didn't know. I've never deliberately kiss a fan - No!

C: What about a member of a boy band, you don't need to name?

B: Let me think about this? No! I've not lived Christine!

C: My goodness you've nothing to put in your book, have you?

B: I've nothing to put in the book (sighs and laughs)

C: Also someone else asked has it been hard to keep up your relationships with your friends like Kris and Richard?

B: Richard lives in Italy.

C: Does he ?

B: Yes, he moved to Italy about two years ago so I don't see Richard at all and that is quite sad. Kris lived with me for a few years, he moved out about a month ago, and lives about ten minutes away.

C: Do you miss him?

B: I see him about once or twice a week, and we speak on the phone every day. I think you know you always lose one or two friends.

C: Yes you do

B: But you kinda think it's their loss

C: Yes, like you say you've kept so close to Kris and you mention quite a few times the people you've flown with that you are still friends with and come and stay with you.

B: But there will be one or two that just cant handle it so...

C: This is it .In the big scheme of things you've done quite well haven't you.

B: I think I have yes.

C: I suppose some people can get their heads turned and it doesn't sort of work that way does it.

B: Of course

C: The next thing what is your favourite outfit at the moment?

B: A pair of Diesel jeans and a T- shirt.

C: What is your favourite piece of jewellery that you wear?

B: A ring that I bought myself.

C: Yeah.the one that you wear

B :I have a watch as well. A nice zhuzhy watch.

C: What is your favourite mens' fragrance at the moment?

B: Christian Dior fragrance I think it's called Le Homme …that one, and also the Abercrombie & Fitch fragrance. I got it in New York when I was there in January, its amazing its all gone now.

C: Awww .. never mind…

B: Aww well ( laughs)

C: Would you ever consider living outside London?

B; I would consider living outside London, yes of course I think you know when I am older and probably a bit more settled maybe with one or two dogs I think at my age and the job that I'm doing living in London…

C: Yes it fits in with your needs at the moment

C: You have just left your agent?

B: I've left PFD and gone to Princess Talent, Vernon' s agents. They look after Vernon, they look after Dave Berry, Jeff Brazier, they look after trendy people. They work with Vernon who is a massive star. So if they take care of me the way they take care of Vernon!

C: If you could choose an ideal show what would you like to do?

B: I'd just love to do..well I'd... Well I love 'Loose Women' . So I'd love one of them for men, and I also love 'Streetmate'

C: You do need something where you are free to be yourself.

B: I do need something where I am free to be myself.

C: JUST restricting to a script just isn't you.

B: But I think in the stuff that I have done when I can actually do the script, and bring something of myself to it, like Celebrity Xtra on LIVINGtv, I really enjoyed doing that.

(We then chatted for a while Brian's MySpace and he does want it known that there is a bogus one out there, and for members and fans not to be taken in and believe it is him.
We agreed that the site should make one, and run it for him, until his technophobe days are over and he can take over the reins. He will of course be connected with it, if just not actively at the beginning.)

B: Thank you that has been fantastic.

C: Brian thank YOU so so much.

B: Byeeee

C: Same to you .. Bye Bye

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