'Big Brother' household down to five as Thomas is latest to be evicted

Thomas has gone. Last night he became the latest contestant to be evicted from the Big Brother house by the television show's viewers.

Thomas has gone. Last night he became the latest contestant to be evicted from the Big Brother house by the television show's viewers.

The 31-year-old former farmer from Omagh, Co Tyrone, was ousted by a narrow margin after 30 per cent of those who took part in the Channel 4 programme poll voted to get rid of him. His former housemate Darren survived by a hair's breadth, with 29 per cent of viewers voting for him to be evicted instead.

Last night was the first time four residents were nominated for eviction. The two others were Anna, who received 22 per cent of votes, and Craig, who polled 19 per cent.

With only five contestants left, the bookmakers William Hill make Anna and Craig 2-1 joint favourites to win the £70,000 prize. Melanie is rated third most likely at 7-2 and Claire and Darren are 6-1.

Thomas, who was given two hours to pack his bags and go, took the news calmly and smiled as he was hugged by his fellow contestants. The blow was cushioned by the offer of a free holiday in Jamaica to recoup from his six-week experience, and the prospect of cashing in on his minor celebrity status with media deals that may prove more lucrative than the show's £70,000 prize. One former housemate, Andy Davidson, has landed his first job as a presenter on Channel 5.

"Nasty" Nick Bateman has also profited from notoriety he earned as the house's Machiavellian cheat by signing an exclusive deal with a national newspaper. Since the publicity that surround his eviction last week, the show's viewing figure have soared - an average of 4.3 million people tuned in to the programme on Monday to Wednesday this week, 30 per cent of the audience share. On the same days last week, it won 23 per cent of the audience.