Initial/ITV
Jenny Baird’s mother, Breege Gormely, says the family have been overwhelmed by the level of support in Derry and beyond for her daughter in Big Brother
A Big Brother finalist’s mother has said her “wee firecracker Derry girl” of a daughter is doing the whole city proud in this year’s ITV reality series.
Jenny Baird, a 20-year-old makeup artist from the Brandywell area of Londonderry, was one of 17 housemates to enter the Big Brother house in late September.
She is now one of the last remaining contestants ahead of Friday night’s final.
“I’ve always told her she’s capable of anything she puts her mind to, and I’ve no doubt she’s more than capable of going the whole way,” her mother, Breege Gormley, said.
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme on Friday, Breege said whether Jenny wins or not, she cannot wait to see her daughter.
“Either way, it’s a win-win today because she’s done amazing,” she said.
“She’s already a winner. She’s made it to the final.”
Her mum, who is travelling to England for Friday’s final, said with Jenny turning 21 on Saturday, there will be a celebration regardless of the outcome of the show.
Breege Gormley
Watching her daughter on television has not been without its challenges, Breege admits
The support of the Derry public, Breege said, has been key to Jenny’s success.
“Everywhere I go strangers are pumping the horns, shouting, ‘ go Jenny’. It’s just amazing.
“I had to go out to the shop yesterday and there was people stopping and going, ‘is she okay?’
“It just completely overwhelms me, especially with the double evictions but she has survived two in the space of a week.”
“The tears was tripping my last night whenever I was trying to say thank you again for getting her through to the final.”
Breege Gormley
The family say they have been overwhelmed by the level of support Jenny has received from Derry and beyond since entering the Big Brother house
Coming out of the Big Brother house, Breege said, might take a little bit of getting used to.
“I think she’ll probably be shocked at how many people will be like, ‘oh, you’re Jenny from Big Brother’,” her mum said.
“The production (team) said before she went in… you’ll probably be known as Jenny, from Big Brother for years to come.
“She was like, ‘I love that.'”
Watching her daughter on television has not been without its challenges.
“It’s nerve-racking, to say the least and I’m sure, as you all get to know Jenny, you will understand why that is,” Breege said.
“You just don’t know what she’s going to come out with next and she’s so much fun, but at the same time, she’s a wee firecracker.”
‘All of Derry is behind her’
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle in October, Jenny’s friend Shane Melly said he met her through a mutual friend when he was 10 and she was 12, and that they instantly became close friends.
“When we met, we clicked straight away and we have been stuck to each other’s side ever since,” Shane said.
“She would even tell you herself, but she’s mad, she’s funny.
“She could step into a room and have everyone in fits of laughter with whatever comes out of her mouth – she doesn’t even mean to be funny half the time, she’s just naturally funny.
“Her personality is huge. I’ve never met someone with as big a personality, and I think that’s why we click so well.”
Shane said Jenny is “a proud Derry girl” and will no doubt be blown away by the support she has received since entering the house.
“She’s such a genuine person, and I told her before she even went into the [Big Brother] house that she would definitely have the backing of the people here, and all of the Derry ones would be supporting her all the way through this.”
TV critic Scott Bryan said Friday’s series climax will be “a hotly competitive final” and Jenny might be able to win it.
“I think Jenny certainly does have a possibility of doing so. I mean, she’s been sort of a constant positive presence,” he said.
To be a Big Brother winner, he added, requires a housemate to “stand out in terms of being memorable and also having the camera on you.”
But her fans shouldn’t assume it’s in the bag, he said.
“Big Brother wouldn’t be Big Brother without there being a twist towards the end.”
How to watch the Big Brother final?
Friday night’s live Big Brother final starts on ITV2 and ITVX at 21:00 GMT, with the winner expected to be revealed just before the show ends at 22:35.
It will be followed by Big Brother: Late & Live.