Big Brother housemate Jack “Pieface” McDermott has admitted he is hoping his time locked away in the house will help him to conquer his gambling problem.

The 23-year-old from Plymouth entered the house this week for the new series of the Channel 5 reality TV contest, but had a serious reason for being there behind his cheery exterior.

Speaking to housemates Cristian MJC and Nick Henderson in the bedroom, he revealed his struggles with gambling.

Big Brother
Jack McDermott (Channel 5)

He said: “It’s very difficult and has taken a lot out of me, but being in here takes me away from it.”

Asked by Cristian if he won a lot, he replied: “No, no I don’t, but this is a chance for me to sort my life out.”

Jack is among five housemates to have been given Timebombs after being chosen by viewers to take on a surprise task.

Simon Gross
Simon Gross has already been evicted (Channel 5)

He chose a Timebomb which gave him immunity passes, offering three chances to avoid the public vote during his time in the house.

Other Timebombs up for grabs included one for a week’s luxury food shop won by Jade Lynch, one which forces Nick to make all of his nominations in the house face to face, one which was empty chosen by Adjoa Mensah, and one picked by unlucky Simon Gross which evicted him from the house immediately.