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Big Brother's Bio

Big Brother is the God of reality TV. Worshipped and feared from John O' Groats to Land's End. But who is this elusive, all-seeing being we call Big Brother?

Big Brother joined the Channel 4 roster in 2000, and has since taken dozens of exhibitionists from obscurity to national celebrity... and some of them right back to obscurity again. Usually even-tempered, with a rule book stricter than the worst teacher in your school, nothing gets underneath its radar. Disobey and you will be punished - whether it's cold showers, gruel for dinner or a dastardly secret Task.

Big Brother can also be cheeky and fun-loving: not averse to pranks, jokes and surprises. Expect the unexpected - don't be surprised if you're told to marry a total stranger, play dress-up, or hide in a box for several hours.

At heart, Big Brother is one of life's great romantics too. Orchestrating more love matches and illicit under-the-duvet fumblings than Cupid himself - Stuart and Michelle... Helen and Paul... Ziggy and Chanelle... Yes, these truly are some of the most beautiful love stories of our time. Is Big Brother secretly hoping that 2009 will bring us another modern Romeo and Juliet? That would be telling.

If you only remember two things, make it this: Big Brother's always watching you. And don't make Big Brother upset. Please!