One by one, the 12 Big Brother housemates have descended the stairs into the swanky new House.

They've been cocooned away since Tuesday to avoid detection, so it's hardly surprising that nervous laughter and tentative chit-chat was the order of the day.

First in was the youngest housemate, 20-year Manchester lass Anouska, sporting some impressive clobber and looking as if she was about to hit the town for the night. "Oh goodness" was about all she could muster before collapsing onto a stool.

Fortunately, she didn't have long to wait before Orkney Islander Cameron came in. "This is mad!" he exclaimed before introducing himself.

The exotically named Federico was next in, his ears pricking up at Cameron's Scottish accent. "Orkney", Cameron said. "Glasgow," Federico responded.

Then it was the turn of Londoner Gos. "I'm Gos, howyadoinalright?" he blurted.

Jon came in next. The 29-year old Staines lad was greeted by a hearty "Welcome to our home," from Anouska, who was clearly feeling at ease already. "Hello bloke," was Gos' offering.

If not broken, the ice was certainly melting. Federico thought so - he unzipped his bag and waved two bottles of wine into the air.

And still they kept coming. Leeds lass Justine was next down the steps, immediately remarking on Anouska's get-up. "You look amazing," she said before she'd even hit the bottom step.

Much hilarity ensued at the arrival of the next housemate, 23-year old Nush. She introduced herself as "Nush - Anouska", meaning the house had its first name clash. For a group of nervous folk, it was enough to set off a small bout of cackling.

Whooping greeted Ray as he dragged his pint-sized suitcase downstairs, and by the time Scouser Scott had made his entrance, some strong beverages had been opened. "We've filled up a fridge already," Cameron enthused.