My favourite characters so far are Ben and Shabby. Nobody seems surprised that I like Ben. Contrary to what people presume, I spend more time with people like Shabby than I do with people like Ben. But Shabby is 'controversial' favourite apparently, so this could be an interesting debate. The main criticisms I've heard about Shabby are that she's bitchy and throws tantrums. Here's what I think...


All the housemates gossip: there isn't much else to do. But I get the sense Shabby is venting her anger, rather than being malicious/strategic. She doesn't get too personal, and often has a good point. I really like Ben, but I've also agreed with a lot of what Shabby has said about him. I think Caiomhe is the bitchier of the two, and bitching/smoking brings them closer together. Similarly, spending time with Bea brought out my bitchy side.

Shabby's tantrums irritate the other housemates. But some people's emotions are just wired that way, and the BB house is a very intense environment. While these reactions seem 'childish', they are involuntary and entertaining.


I think Shabby probably suffers from bi-polar disorder, or something similar. She gets extremely angry, but it doesn't seem like normal anger. She remains more lucid and logical than people typically do when experiencing that level of emotion. And while her anger is intense, it also seems a lot less 'personal' than if a normal person was that angry. Also, her housemates seem to be somewhat desensitised to her tantrums, which they wouldn't if they detected malice.


Her anger is intensified because she tends to suppress her sadness, a trait more common in men then women. The masque does slip through sometimes, particularly when she's angry/frustrated with Caiomhe. These have been (for me) the most touching moments of the show so far.


I doubt that Caiomhe's new-found attraction for Shabby is genuine. Shabby doesn't seem convinced either, but to doubt her friend's intentions publicly would be disloyal. Love-struck, but still no fool, she didn't try very hard to convince us in the diary room.

It'd be interesting to see how she acts if Caiomhe leaves tomorrow. While Caiomhe is a close friend, she has also been a huge source of frustration for Shabby. This source of frustration will be gone, and a 'good day' from Caiomhe may help tip her into a more positive spiral. Then we'll hopefully see a more positive side to Shabby.


Shabby has a lot going for her. Love her voice, could listen to her talk all day. Her clothes are awesome; it's a shame BB took her hat as it really suits her. Hope she gets it back on her 'good day'. She's argumentative, entertaining, creative, loyal and genuine. She's also is very perceptive, and her diary rooms are awesome. Not to everyone's taste it seems, but an excellent housemate. We'd be fools to vote her out this week.


I would also like to see more of Sunshine, but I doubt she'll be going. Caiomhe has my vote this week.


I'm glad that Freddie likes Shabby!.