Ladykirk student in TV's Big Brother house
BIG Brother contestant George Askew is from the village of Ladykirk, the Berwickshire News can reveal.
The 19-year-old, who is currently one of the favourites to win the popular Channel 4 TV programme, is described as a student from London on the official website.
However, he spent much of his childhood at Ladykirk House, where his dad Henry still lives.
And although his father says he is pleased George managed to get on the programme he says he will not be watching to see how he gets on.
"It is not my sort of programme but I wish him the best of luck," Mr Askew told the Berwickire News this week.
He added that George, who is the second of his three sons, had told him he was trying to get onto the programme and that he was "absolutely delighted" that he had succeeded.
"He is a good boy, a lovely boy, who likes to have a go at things," said his father.
Mr Askew, who is divorced from George's mother, said his son had spent most of his youth in Scotland at Ladykirk House where the family can be traced back to 1730.
However, he added that reports of royal connections were "a total exaggeration".
"That's just a bit of newspaper rubbish," said Mr Askew, who added that George had left school a year ago and then spent six months at art school before entering the Big Brother House.
Asked to describe his son, Mr Askew said: "He is very, very loving with a big heart and a great enthusiast. He is terrific company and there is never a dull moment with him. I will be rooting for George and hope everybody else will too."
The latest bookies' odds place George as third favourite with odds of 12/1. He is behind Richard who has odds of 10/1 while Pete is the clear favourite to win with odds of 6/4.
In the Channel 4 programme, 14 housemates have 13 weeks to try to survive in cramped conditions without being voted off by viewers.
The first eviction is due to take place this Friday.
Harrow-educated George, described as the first aristocrat to brave the Big Brother house, was expected to become a hate figure with his provocative views on immigrants and foxhunting.
However, he quickly revealed a caring side when he calmed fellow housemate Shahbaz after he threw a tantrum.
When Shahbaz first threatened to quit George talked him out of it saying: "You bring sunshine into the house. You make this house fun. If you go, you'll regret it."
However, a less caring side of the teenager was revealed when he allegedly dumped girlfriend, Rose, the day before he entered the Big Brother House after telling her he was going on holiday.
Before entering the Big Brother house, the bagpipes-playing, hunting and shooting enthusiast described himself as stubborn, posh and comical. He said he hated "stubborn, suburban, ignorant socialists, people who mock the Monarchy and immigrants who don't appreciate the country".
He told organisers of the show that the three things that would improve his life were a hot tub, another butler and a faster car.
Claims that his mother Rosemary was once Prince Charles' private secretary were dismissed by the Prince's staff.
However, he is believed to be a passing acquaintance of Prince Harry.
He also numbers rock star Ozzy Osbourne's son and daughter Jack and Kelly among his friends and reportedly hangs out with them at top London clubs Tramp and Annabel's.
His father this week said he had no idea if George would win the programme.
"I imagine it will be quite difficult at times," said the retired Grenadier Guards officer.
30 May 2006
Berwickshiretoday
