FORMER Ipswich Town star Jason Dozzell has spoken of his pride after he revealed his nephew is among the contestants in the Big Brother television show.

FORMER Ipswich Town star Jason Dozzell has spoken of his pride after he revealed his nephew is among the contestants in the Big Brother television show.

Mr Dozzell, a former England under 21 international, revealed the Big Brother star is the son of his half-brother Tony Swallow.

The 26-year-old albino - who now lives in London - entered the Big Brother house on Thursday evening.

Mr Dozzell said: “We couldn't believe it. It's a bit strange but we're really proud of him. I've been to see my mum, Darnell's Grandmother Frances, and we're going to be glued to the telly.”

The former midfielder said he had seen his nephew since his return to the UK.

He said: “He went to America to live with his mother when he was about seven or eight and I remember him as a kid.”

The 40-year-old, who lives close to his former club ground in Portman Road, said he would be busy watching the European championships as well as his nephew this summer.

He added: “He's a lovely lad. He's very intelligent and smart and he's friendly. We wish him the best and we're all hoping he's going to win.

“He said he was doing something with Channel 4 but we didn't realise it was Big Brother.”

As he entered the house Mr Swallow told show host Davina McCall he had never watched the programme.

And as betting opens for the reality show, odds have shortened on Mr Swallow winning the game show from 12 to one yesterday to 10 to one today with bookmaker Paddy Power.