I am fully aware that not everyone on this site is a keen Big Brother fan, and I'm also guessing that not many people who read TV Scoop are into the venerable reality show either. But it's a fact that Big Brother is still watched by millions and is, along with some football tournament or other, dominating the schedules at the moment. BB has already hit the headlines thanks to fake weddings and an unhealthy portion of extreme bitchiness, bu has it actually been any good this year (so far)? Everyone says that last year's was the dullest series in living memory (it really was), so how is it panning this year? And what is it with this Alex woman?

[Image: Rex Features]

So, let's rewind a little. To Friday night to be specific.

It's Friday night, it's the first eviction of Big Brother 9. Davina is wearing her trademark black (which tonight looked a little like an encrusted bin bag) and the baying crowd are chanting "get Alex out". They're referring to Alexandra, the most unpopular woman in BB history. Already, after one week she's the most unpopular woman in BB history. Quite some feat.

She's a single mum who has spent her first week in the house ranting at people for touching her lighter and over-cooking chips. How could they do such cruel things? Seriously, she's not all there. Her idea of an argument is repeating lines like, "remember I told you" eight times and then stomping off and calling everyone a prick. Not exactly the way to win friends and get support on the outside. Although on the plus side, she doesn't like ginger chef Rex, which is fine by me.

Alex aside, the housemates are a pretty good selection. There's albino Darnell, Mario and Lisa the first BB couple, an 'hirarious' Thai masseuse and few random others. A fat one, a blonde one, two brunettes and a gay dancer with very over-plucked eyebrows spring to mind. The highlight of Thursday's show was blind Michael comparing the food rationing to being in the Vietnam war. Classic BB.

Girls Aloud reject Steph was the first person out of the door to a pleasing chorus of boos. She blamed her exit on failing miserably to convince the housemates of her affection for Mario. So who will be the next reject to land a columnist job in a chav mag? Someone will have to admit to torturing kittens for Alex to stay put but you never know...

I think it's been a terrific start to the series and for me, and other people who love this human soap opera, I'll be watching until the end if this is anything to go by.

[by Victoria Cooper]