This post was written by guest blogger and reality TV showbiz observer Daniel Cohen. Catch up with him on Twitter here!

What an emotional night last night: after three weeks in the Celebrity Big Brother house Julian Clary was crowned the winner. The reaction the camp comedian had to hearing the news made even the hardest of hearts feel that he was the deserved winner.

For seconds, he didn’t understand what had just happened and Coleen Nolan had to whisper several times: “It’s you, it’s you”.

When he finally understood he burst into tears in her arms whispering: “Oh my word, I’ve won!”

Coleen held Julian, who was shaking. When she was told to go Julian said softly: “Don’t leave me here on my own.” While she was outside talking to Brian Dowling, Julian was still seen crying alone in the house. When he was finally called out, the gentle housemate still couldn’t believe that the public had chosen him and Brian had to support him on the catwalk.

Talking to Brian and the audience Julian was so choked up, he could hardly speak which was actually quite sweet. “I’ve never won anything in my life,” he said. “It was more emotional than I thought. I’m a complete wreck.” Then, thanking his supporters, telling them: “You have made a 53-year-old homosexual very happy”.

Turning up at Bit on the Side, Julian still seemed shell shocked and kept saying he didn’t believe he had won. Even admitting his mother had rather have seen Martin Kemp win. He also apologised for not joking all the time. Saying he wanted the people to see the real Julian, not his stage personae.

Pal Boy George was first on Twitter to congratulate him: “’I never win anything’, such a gemini comment! Well done! You look so happy to have won and it was lovely to see! I usually don’t give a horses ass who wins but I’m seriously chuffed for you!”

In-keeping with Julian’s humble character, instead of the usual after party paparazzi press shots, Julian blended into the background at the wrap party. Giving his other house mates equal billing and choosing to just quietly chat instead of creating the more usual wild headline grabbing alcohol fest the party has become known for. (Though Jasmine Lennard did her best to create it.) It all seemed a bit too much for him and his first proper winner’s interview has yet to emerge. We hope he was able to give one!!

While most CBB winners and contestants would stay in London to go clubbing and create headlines, Julian once again chose differently. His PA Merryl Futerman Tweeted today: “What a night! Lots of fun and catching up. Now he’s on his way to see Valerie, Albert and the chickens. Told him how amazing you all were x”

After returning home Julian told his fans via Twitter: “Thank you all so much. I am awash with happiness and also slightly deranged after my incarceration. This may last for some time. X”

It must all be a bit surreal for Julian. Hopefully finally having some time by himself will let it all sink in.