Portuguese transsexual bank clerk Nadia Almada, 27, last night won reality TV show Big Brother and claimed the £63,500 prize.

With her squawking voice and grating laugh, she seemed unlikely to endear herself to the British public, but became the 50/1 on favourite for victory.

With an exuberant character, she survived four evictions and won the nation over.

Throughout her time in the house, Nadia kept secret the fact she was born a man from her fellow Channel 4 housemates.

And her torment at having to keep her secret as she bonded with the other housemates sometimes became too much, leading to her breaking down in tears in the diary room.

Through her sobs she told how she had only applied for Big Brother because she wanted the public to accept her as a woman.

As the result was announced last night, Nadia, from Surrey, screamed and began to shake, exclaiming: "Oh my God !"

Runner-up Jason grabbed her in an embrace and told her: "You've won it, you all right man ?"

The Portuguese, trembling and bewildered, repeated: "Oh my god".

"I'll see you for a beer after," offered Jason as he left the Big Brother house to a chorus of both cheers and boos.

As he spoke to host Davina he said: "I expected to get the boos."

Asked by Davina why he disliked Nadia so much, the Scot replied: "That laugh was ridiculous."

Asked if he had amorous intentions towards housemate Dan, Jason gave a quizzical look to host Davina.

"I cannot believe that people think I fancy Daniel," he said.

He was told his vanity stretched to spending a total of four hours and 40 minutes on his beauty routine during one of his days in the house.

"There's nothing else to do Davina," he replied.

Reflecting on his second place in the show, he said: "I'm chuffed to bits."