Jonathon McNaughton, an old colleague of Big Brother housmate Sam Brodie has said that he is convinced she could go all the way and scopp the £100,000 prize if she just continues to be herself.

Jonathan used to work with Sam, and is eager that people know what she is really like.

“I received a text message off a friend on the night Sam went in saying turn on Channel Four now. I couldn’t believe it when I saw her entering the house. It’s really weird watching somebody you know in the house because you are so used to it just being a bunch of strangers,” he said.

On her “Big Brother” profile she describes herself as a lively, caring, accepting and non-judgemental person, a description Jonathon fully agrees with and believes the public will see as the show goes on.

“She is a very genuine and down to earth person,” he said. “I chatted to her quite a bit at work and she was just one of those people who blended in with everyone. We got on very well. She wanted to be known as a female then and nobody had a problem with it in the slightest. She is very open about it and everybody knew within a couple of weeks.”

Jonathon has hit back at criticism of Sam on websites. “These people have no idea what she is like and should get to know her before passing judgement,” he said. “They seem to be basing most of their criticism on the fact Sam is a man who dresses like a woman and that is just not fair. The record definitely needs to be set straight.

“Fortunately there are quite a few people who are being nice though and that is good to see. It is far too early to pass judgement.”