DESPITE his massive unpopularity across the country, Big Brother's Tim Culley can rely on the support of his adopted hometown Yarm - so much so that it is rumoured he may return there when he leaves the show.

Former neighbours of the man, known to the country as the "ginger-whinger", believe he will move back to his old flat in the historic market town once the show is over.

Shannon and Gillian Rees live in the flat above where Tim used to live. Although they do not know him personally, they say his old flat mate - known only as Ben - said Tim has talked of returning to his old digs.

Shannon said: "We only moved to the town recently, after living in Middlesbrough, so we don't know him.

"However, Ben used to live with Tim and played tennis with him, and he said that Tim may move back to the town once Big Brother has finished."

The 23-year-old is up for eviction tonight, along with Alex, and most people's money seems to be on Tim to go.

Tim lived in Yarm while studying for a business finance degree at the University of Durham's Queen's Campus, at Stockton. If he is evicted, he will be pleased to know this tiny corner of the North-East will welcome him back with open arms.

Shannon, 26, said: "I think what people don't like about him is that he is very open and opinionated, and says what he thinks.

"I actually find him very fascinating and would rather someone like Jonny or Jade went. It is actually quite amusing watching him."

Her views were echoed by sister, Gillian, 23, who said she believed it depended on what type of background you were from, as to whether you voted for Tim or not.

She said: "There seems to be a lot of people against him just because of the way he talks or the places he has visited.

"That shouldn't be so. He said he was going to go in the house and be the same Tim, and why should he change?

"I would much rather sit down and have a conversation with him than the others in there."

Donna Tranter, 31, also from Yarm, said she was supporting him and had already voted for Alex to be evicted.

She said: "Tim is not aggravating or argumentative, nor is he nasty. He has just gone in there and told the truth.

"I do hope the people of Yarm will back him and spur him on."

One of the things, if not the only thing, Tim will be remembered for during his time in the house is dying his now famous ginger locks black.

However, he was unable yesterday to rely on the support of fellow flame-haired lad Russell Johnson, who said he should be evicted.

"I don't really know how to put this, but he is a bit pushy and quite false. He also thinks he is something he is not," said the 18-year-old.

"He is making a bad name for the town."

Loyalties were divided in the Hewitt family. Mother Jan and eldest daughter Toni want to see him leave, but Lucy, aged nine, seemed to sum up what most of Yarm wanted.

She said: "I want Tim to stay in the house because he is from the area."