Before I get onto the subject of this post – that is, are you glad or sad that Victoria left and Becky went in – I just want to comment on the fact that I thought last night’s first eviction show of the new series was one of the best we’ve seen for a long time.

And what tipped it – for me – from ordinary to aces was Brian Dowling’s hosting.

I had wondered how he’d fare, given that the show had to be moved into the Bit on the Side studio – and hence away from the open air stage that’s normally used in live shows – due to howling winds, but far from being thrown off course, the studio environment seemed to do Brian a power of good!

He was funny, it all flowed well, and what came across most was how relaxed he seemed. Whether he really was, or if he just copes well with adversity, I guess we’d need to ask the man himself, but what matters is what he projected, and he projected a man fully at home in the role…

And now, I can’t imagine anyone else doing it, which is how I felt about Davina McCall, so from me, it’s a big bravo Brian. You’re brill!

Ok so onto the point of this article; are you glad Victoria left? And were you glad to see Becky go in?

I know Victoria had a lot of fans this side of the BB fence, so I must say, I was surprised that she left and Lydia stayed in, but I knew one of them would go…

And though Victoria’s fans had made some very complimentary remarks about her, prompting me to think that perhaps she’d stop being so negative if she ended up staying in, as we saw in house highlights, it was her relentless I’m On A Downer persona that cooked her particular goose.

Her reaction to Arron saying he’d evict her during the game of Snog, Marry, Evict? was just plain childish. And I thought Arron’s point about her constantly saying she wanted to leave was a good one…

Granted, Lydia has whined her way through the first few days, and her narcissism is getting on people’s nerves, and will probably get worse now she’s been saved – well, it gets on my nerves anyway and I don’t think she’ll last long in the house – but at least she didn’t at any point say she wanted to go, but Victoria did, by the minute.

I also thought the whole saladgate was ridiculous. Victoria acted like Lydia had retrieved her salad from the bin or something. I mean, what was so bad about eating a salad that, albeit was 24 hours old, but had been in the ‘fridge?

Over reaction much? Methinks so.

Anyway, onto the arrival of Becky, and I have to say, though I think her upbeat/hyper persona could irritate if it went on too long, on first impressions, I really like her.

And in terms of gratitude over being a housemate, it doesn’t get much more grateful than running around in big circles, such is your delight.

In fact, Becky is like the anti-Victoria. What Victoria lacked in terms of tempo, happiness and just plain entertainment value, Becky clearly has in spades.

However, with regard to Victoria’s eviction, I can’t help continuing to think that our reader Mark A – whose comment you can see here – was right when he said that kicking out the peeps who cause drama could see the show fall flat.

Last night highlights were all about Victoria and Lydia – well, a lot of it was anyway – so until/if someone else starts causing a bit of theatre, perhaps it will mellow out to the point of dull.

But there, it’s all in the early stages, and there are enough prima donnas in the making in there for things to kick off!

So, let us know what you thought of last night’s events, and if you’re glad or sad that Victoria left and Becky went in.