The mother of Market Drayton’s Big Brother star has urged people in the town to vote to keep her son on the hit reality TV show tonight.
Ann Fisher, mother of Freddie Fisher – now legally known as Halfwit – described Freddie being in the house as “surreal” but said she hoped people would vote to keep her “kind and caring” son in the house.
Ann said: “Friends and family locally and far afield will all be rooting for him and it would be great if people from his home town could also show their support for Freddie by voting to keep him in the house today.
“It has all been a bit surprising the amount of attention we are getting but I think Freddie is doing really well. He left three weeks ago now to go to London and was then taken to Normandy in France, but we weren’t told where he was going and he wasn’t allowed to take his mobile phone or contact anyone.
“It is surreal not being able to speak to him but being able to watch him on television. If he stays in until the end it will be four months without any contact.”
Ann Fisher and Freddie’s dad, Freddie Fisher III are travelling to Elstree Studios in London today as their son faces the chop from the hit show.
Freddie entered the house last Thursday but only gained housemate ‘status’ after changing his name by Deed Poll to Halfwit.
Despite being up for nomination Freddie is still third favourite with bookmakers to win the show.
Before becoming an official housemate, Freddie was forced to sleep on the floor and wasn’t given access to a shower or sink.
Ann said: “I was really pleased for him when he became an official housemate. He was in the marines while he was at school so he is used to sleeping in some uncomfortable conditions. But it was a relief when he got through because you could see that all the non-housemates were getting tired and were in need of a rest.”
Ann said she hoped the show will help Freddie realise his aspirations but said it will be difficult watching other housemates say nasty things about him.
“I think as a parent you are always protective of your children and it is going to be hard listening to people saying unpleasant things about Freddie, but you have to remember it is just a game.
“I hope the whole experience will be beneficial; it is certainly going to raise his profile and I am sure it will lead to opportunities he otherwise wouldn’t have had.
“I just wish he didn’t have to change his name.”
By Joseph Masi