FAMILY and friends of North-East Big Brother contestant Jonny Regan have called on people in the region to support him as he was nominated for eviction for the third time.

The 29-year-old firefighter from Trimdon, County Durham, has made it down to the last six in the reality TV game show.

But the housemates got a shock yesterday when four of them were nominated for eviction.

Jonny learned that along with three of his housemates, Adele, Jade and Kate, he could face the boot on Friday.

The contestants were expecting the usual two names to be called out but were stunned when Big Brother announced four of them would be facing the public vote on Friday.

Whichever of the four receives the most viewers' votes by the end of the week will be made to leave the house.

Adele, Jonny and Kate got two nominations each while Jade was nominated by all her housemates.

Jonny has so far survived two nominations and has the longest odds of 25/1 to stay in the house.

But friends and family who travelled to London for last Friday's show claim there is more support for Jonny down South than there is nearer home.

Family friend Mary Coverance, from Trimdon, was one of Jonny's supporters at the London studio when he was facing eviction last week.

She said: "There were crowds of people in London with banners supporting Jonny. We met groups from London and one lot that had even come from Plymouth, but there didn't seem to be any home support.

"I am sure people in and around Durham are watching the show and it would be nice to see some posters or banners around the area supporting him.

"I know people can't travel to London, but it's a shame we can't show support for one of our own, especially when he's doing so well."

* Don't miss The Northern Echo tomorrow for an intimate glimpse inside Jonny's family album