Aisleyne damns Pete with faint praise

Housemates were given the task of preparing a three-minute speech in the style of an election campaign to support their chosen favourites to win the contest.

But Aisleyne, who is now second favourite to win Big Brother 7, made a hash of her speech for odds-on favourite Pete.

"I can't do it. I can't do it," she freaked, running to the toilet before she went on stage.
"Sssh, let me get on with it. I'm shy," she said.

She stumbled over her words before she managed to blurt out: "He's brought laughter, fun and music to the House, and respect for nature and creepy crawly things." "I'm a goner," said Pete.

While the others gave passionate and glowing tributes to their peers, Aisleyne's attempts bombed and failed to impress Pete and Nikki.

Tantrum queen Nikki ranted to Richard: "Everyone got a good one except Pete. She didn't put any effort in.

"The speech is to represent yourself, not the person you were speaking about," Richard said trying to calm her.

"It confirms what I already knew. I'm furious," Nikki protested.

"How do you know that it was intentional?" asked Richard. "That she can't genuinely speak in front of people?"

"Everyone got a nice one," she maintained. "It was half-hearted. I'm so angry. I've got no qualifications but I can stand up and do it from the bottom of my heart. It's not fair on him."

It represents her, not him," explained Richard. "It's about your ability to speak."
"She's shy? Shy? Shy? As if. Oh my god. Am I being unreasonable?"

"No. It was a bit airy fairy, and maybe I'd be hurt if she didn't put the effort in. I wish I could help you," said Richard.

Meanwhile in the bedroom, Aisleyne raised the matter with Pete. "You're upset Pete," she said. "No I'm not," he replied.

"Why are you lying? Are you protecting me?" she asked. "I can't talk in front of people. I shrivel up and I can't remember what I'm saying. I get so embarrassed."

"That's okay. Don't worry. I liked it."
Aisleyne dashed to the Diary Room to explain her earlier efforts.

She told Big Brother: "I did a rubbish speech for Pete and he's taking it badly and thinks it will affect his vote.

"If anything, people will vote against me. I get stage fright and embarrassed in front of people. People say I'm not shy, but in that situation I am.

"He's really upset about it and was cringing the whole way through. I feel really bad."
Pete later confessed to her he was a "bit disappointed".

He said: "I thought 'that's really gonna get the votes in'. But all my insect friends out there with mobile phones will vote for me."

"Say how you feel, it's fine," said Aisleyne.
"I did feel... s , I can't say it," he said. "I don't need to say it."

Heading off inside, Aisleyne sat in the garden before going to sit fully clothed in the bath and, surprise, surprise, began to wail.