Federico Family At War Over £1million Bingo Win
Exclusive Big Bro Star's Family Split Over Jackpot
THE family of Big Brother star Federico Martone are at war over a £1million bingo win.
Four of Fed's aunts allegedly agreed to split any prize they won at a night at the bingo in Glasgow.
But after Jean McCullagh, 69, landed the jackpot, she froze out sisters-in-law Rose, 57, and Jessie, 63.
Jean allegedly said: "We didn't agree anything in writing so it's not binding. This money will set my daughters up for life."
Rose and Jessie are now threatening to take Jean to court.
Big Brother Four contestant Fed, who now runs a successful Glasgow restaurant, said last night: "This has driven a big wedge in the family.
"My aunt Rose is a lovely woman and would never tell a lie.
"She and Jessie feel very betrayed. You have to wonder if any amount of money is worth causing all these emotional wounds."
Rose, Jessie, Jean and Jean's sister Margaret Cleugh, 65, went to the Mecca Bingo at the Forge shopping centre in Parkhead, Glasgow, last Friday night.
Britain's first £1million bingo winner, Margaret Shearer, scooped her prize at the same hall last month.
Jessie and Rose, both of Carntyne, Glasgow, play bingo regularly. But Jean only agreed to go along because Margaret was visiting from Canada.
The four women each paid £19 for aset of game cards.
Rose said: "We were quite excited. Like everyone else, we dream of winning a million and there was a buzz about the place.
"Right at the outset, I asked what we would do if we won the big prize - if we would split it four ways or just give each other a bung.
"All four of us immediately agreed to split it four ways. The decision was as formal as you could get without having it in writing and all four of us were very clear.
"Of course, we didn't think for a minute that we would win the cash.
"But for four family members and very good friends, it would be natural to agree to split it anyway.
"Jean was sitting across from me and I was checking her books for her because I'm very experienced at bingo, abit of a professional.
"The deal with the Millionaire Game is that you win £10,000 for the house. But if you call the house on the number one, you get a £1million bonus.
"We all knew Jean was doing well with her card and when the number one came in we all shouted, 'House!'
"We were ecstatic and the hall erupted. As far as we were concerned we had won more than £250,000 each, which would have set our families up through our retirement.
"Right after the win, Margaret asked Jean if she was sticking to the deal and she said yes. We all heard her. There was no room for any doubt or confusion.
"I went with Jean to the manager's office and he got us all a stiff drink to help with the shock and excitement.
"Everyone was congratulating us collectively and everyone had the impression it was a group win. I told my husband as soon as I could on Friday night and we were so excited.
"It was only the next day that we realised trouble was brewing.
"We are in a state of shock. We just can't believe Jean could do anything like this to us. We didn't even question whether she would stick to the deal.
"They say money is a corrupting thing and it's certainly true in this case.
"I wish Friday night had never happened because this win has wreaked havoc on our family."
Jessie backed Rose's story and said: "I wouldn't expect to be treated like this by a casual acquaintance, never mind a family member.
"We have 35 years of history behind us and it looks like that's shattered. I'm staggered that this could happen.
"We made a friendly deal to share any winnings, just like scores of women up and down the country.
"After the win, I blurted out that I was going to buy a house in Ireland with my share. I noticed Jean didn't say anything to that.
"Then next morning, I phoned Jean and her tone was odd.
"I got a bad feeling and asked if she was still splitting the win. She said she had decided to split the house win four ways, meaning we would get £2500 each, and she would keep the £1million. I was shocked."
Jessie and Rose and their husbands Willie and Tony immediately drove to Jean's home in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, to confront her.
"She said she was keeping the cash," Jessie claimed. "She said very clearly that the million would set up her three daughters for life and she was sticking to her decision."
The row has put brothers Tony and Willie at odds with their third brother, Jean's husband John.
Tony, 65, said: "I told John that Rose and Jessie wanted what they were due, not a penny more or less. We are a decent family and the principle is 100 times more important than the cash.
"It seems they want the money more than they want me because John knows this means we will be brothers no longer. Willie feels just as strongly about this as I do.
"I hope they will think about the situation and do the right thing ."
Margaret is staying with Jean and John but Rose and Jessie didn't see her when they went to the house and they don't know if she is getting any of the cash.
Jean and John refused to comment when the Record called at their £300,000 home last night.
'They say money is a corrupting thing and it is certainly true. We're in a state of shock'
Dailyrecord
