BIG Brother star Jonny Regan is putting his return to work on hold in case North-East fans flood the fire service with hoax 999 calls.

The 29-year-old, who works at Peterlee fire station, was runner-up in the hugely popular Channel 4 show and has a big fan base in the region.

It is thought fire service bosses are worried they will put lives at risk by making hoax 999 calls in a bid to see their hero in the flesh.

"There is a worry that people will phone 999, but I don't want to blow things out of all proportion," Jonny said.

"If I go back there is a chance that people who watched Big Brother will call in at the station to see me in person or even call 999.

"Obviously that could cause problems, but there are other reasons I'm waiting before I go back to work."

County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade refused to comment on the rumours.

Jonny, who was pipped to the post for the £70,000 prize by Kate Lawler, is still hoping his stint in the House will open up new opportunities for him.

He has been given a career break from the fire service until December and, although he can go back any time before then, he said he was still considering what to do.

"At the moment, I am still thinking about all my options. I have had some nice offers coming in and I have to decide what to do," he said.

"I'm just trying to keep my feet on the ground and work out whether to leave the job and try something else, or go back."

Jonny is currently in London but is planning to return home later next week.

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