A graduate with a degree in physics, 29-year-old Jon Tickle grew up in Norwich with twin brother Phil. A former pupil of Avenue Middle School and Earlham High School, Jon gave up his job as a data strategy manager to be on Channel Four's Big Brother and compete with 11 other housemates for the £70,000 prize. School friend Dan Jordan said he couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Jon on television: "When I heard that Jon was on Big Brother my reaction was one of complete utter shock and surprise! The first thing I did was text and call all of our old school friends - anyone who knew him. I then ran round to a friend's house to watch it," he said. The 12 Big Brother housemates, six men and six women, were complete strangers until they entered the house on Friday 23 May. 
The Big Brother house |
For some, the house will be their home for nine weeks – for others, not quite so long. From the moment they entered the house they will have no contact with the outside world and their every move will be watched by a nation. In the first week, Jon was nominated for eviction along with three other contestants. Despite being the bookies favourite for leaving the house, he remains for another week as nursery nurse Anouska bit the bullet of the public vote. Dan Jordan explained that it would probably take some time to get know Jon: "He's a lovely guy, but he's a little bit shy so I'm not sure if he'll come across that well initially. But I hope that once people get to know him on screen, they'll realise he's a great guy." 
Jon Tickle minutes before he entered the BB house. |
Asked if Jon had any habits that might keep the other contestants entertained or irritated Dan said: "He's never been one for timekeeping. I remember he used to live about five minutes from school, and both he and his brother were always late! "But as a child, Jon and his brother Phillip looked after the family geese, chickens and goat in their back garden so he will be well equipped to look after the Big Brother chickens," he added. Jon has said he dreams of retiring at the age of 45 to sail around The Med in a yacht. If he makes it to the Big Brother final, he will be on that yatcht sooner than he thinks. Do you think Jon will win Big Brother and put Norwich on the map? Have your say on our message board. Read our interview with Big Brother
Jon's Little Brother Phil» | 
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