Big Brother 'couple' exposed as fakes at wedding reception

After 90 minutes as husband and wife, Big Brother revealed the 42-year-old Mario was really dating Lisa, 40, - not 19-year-old Stephanie who had just become his 'wife'.

The shock announcement was welcomed by BB baddie Alexandra, who had earlier tried to object to the marriage on the grounds she thought it was a sham.

I think I do...: Mario and Stephanie tie the knot after their whirlwind four-day 'courtship'

As Mario was toasting his new 'wife', Big Brother interrupted the festivities with a 'very important announcement' and gave the housemates one minute to work out who the secret couple were living in the house.

After conferring as a group, the housemates realised it was Mario and Lisa, which was soon confirmed by Big Brother.

After the initial shock died down, the housemates erupted into screaming and laughter as they recalled the dramatic 'courtship' of Mario and Stephanie, including their fake proposal on Friday and the hen and stag parties on Saturday.

Secret's out: The housemates go crazy when Big Brother confirms Mario is really dating Lisa

Earlier this afternoon, a panicking Stephanie walked up the aisle to Here Comes The Bride, mumbling, 'Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,' dressed in a strapless white gown.

The minster said: 'We are gathered here today to witness the union of Shaun (Mario's real name) and Stephanie.

'A good marriage must be created and nurtured. If there is any person here who knows of any lawful impediment against this marriage, they should declare it now.'

As the couple stood forward to take their vows, self-proclaimed 'Croydon celebrity' Alexandra made her doubts known.

That's my girl: Mario is relieved he can finally kiss his real-life lover Lisa

Face like thunder: Catholic Jennifer, who is married herself, looks unhappy after she discovers the wedding is a sham

She said: 'I think we all know how I feel. I contest. I feel this is a sham. It's been given to us in a task format. I don't this it is a strong enough bond. It's a sham.'

However, the minister replied: 'I appreciate your concerns, but that is not a lawful impediment to this marriage.'

After the exchanging of rings and signing of the marriage licence - Channel 4 producers are yet to clarify if it is legally binding - the couple were pronounced husband and wife, much to the delight of most of the housemates.

Hours earlier, reluctant groom Mario called the wedding off after clashing with his bride in the kitchen.

'I've just married a stranger': Stephanie appears to be feeling a mix of fear and joy after being pronounced husband and wife

Sign your life away: Mario signs the marriage licence with his 'wife' Stephanie

Playing the part, Stephanie said it was bad luck for the couple to see each other before the wedding, but Mario insisted he needed to feed his blind best man Mikey.

After Mario warned Stephanie to be careful what she said, she fired back: 'You're telling me how to act?'

In a fit of anger, Mario stormed: 'It's not a case of how to act.

'Well, the wedding's off, you can please yourself. Get some other muppet to do it with you.'

After calming down and discussing it with real-life partner Lisa and best man Mikey, Mario decided the wedding was on again.

Mario said: 'I probably overreacted a bit with Steph. Can we stop talking about it now? It's about Steph and I - it's her big day.'

Unconvinced: Alexandra's objections to the wedding were ignored by the minister

Ill-fitting: Lisa's bridesmaids dress struggles to contain her surgically-enhanced chest

Last night, the bride and groom took their respective bridal parties away to different parts of the house for their hen and stag nights.

The hens, which comprised Stephanie and her four bridesmaids Kathreya, Rachel, Rebecca and Lisa, spent the night drinking champagne in the bedroom and trying on wedding and bridesmaid dresses.

Meanwhile, the remaining females Jennifer, Alexandra and Sylvia were left out and joined the men for the stag night.

After the trio turned down the chance to dress as bunnygirls, camp dance teacher Dennis, Mikey and Dale happily wore the rabbit-themed ensembles.

The wedding's off: Stephanie is upset when Mario tells her he doesn't want to marry after an argument in the kitchen