THE father of Big Brother contestant Tim Culley has promised his son a party whenever he returns to Upton from television's most famous house, writes Ally Hardy.

Neil Culley, a town councillor and owner of the historic Swan Hotel was on holiday in Portugal when Tim went into the house four weeks ago but revealed he had been aware his son could be under nationwide scrutiny in the Channel 4 show. "I did know he was going in" Mr Culley told the Malvern Gazette this week.

"He told us when he was applying and when he was down to the last 50 the producers phoned and interviewed us."

It is probably fair to say the Culleys are not typical participants of the programme, but Neil is taking Tim's sudden celebrity status in his stride.

The one-time Cathay Pacific pilot said: "Tim's an adult and he chose to do it. Some of the things that are being written about him seem a bit far-fetched but I just think its exaggeration. It doesn't bother me and I don't believe it."

He confirmed that Tim does die his naturally reddish-brown hair, which he described more as auburn than ginger (similar to his own).

"It will be interesting to see when his natural colour does come out," he said.

"He obviously doesn't know about all the fuss but he has always spent a lot of time on his hair."

Referring to Tim's present sense of isolation and disapproval of his housemates' increasingly wild antics, Mr Culley said that Tim's private schooling at Hillstone and then Malvern College probably contributes to setting him apart.

"He has always been brought up to be a gentleman and to respect women. Perhaps some of me is rubbing off on him. I would like to think that he is like me.

"It will be interesting to see when he comes out. I think we will have a big party," said Mr Culley, who revealed that during his time on Big Brother, Tim has missed his graduation ceremony from Durham Univer-sity and does not yet know what degree class he has gained.

He was also meant to start his new job as a professional head-hunter in July.

His dad also confirmed that girlfriend, Johanna, was not at a recent family party with friend Tessa and both his parents to send a message to Big Brother contestants.