Pete forgets Nikki

TV

13:30 28 September 2006

'Big Brother' winner Pete Bennett has completely forgotten housemate Nikki Grahame, and can't keep his hands off new love interest Gemma 'Cherry' Costain.

The 24-year-old Tourette's sufferer dumped drama queen Nikki last week claiming he couldn't put up with her tantrums.

Now, just days later, he is going out with old friend Gemma, 21.

Pete's close friend Aaron Jacob told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "Pete has a very close circle of friends including Gemma and they lead a very different lifestyle, which some people may find unusual.They muck around and sleep with one another because they're mates, but it doesn't mean they're going to get married or anything.

"Pete and Gemma had been together for a while but we all just regarded them as best friends. Gemma started having stronger feelings for him, but didn't know how to tell him."

Pete and Nikki became an item in the last week of the hit reality show and stayed together for four weeks after they left the house.

Aaron added: "Gemma stayed in the background and just let them be. She thought they made a sweet pair and even commented, 'Their babies will be good looking'.

"But when she heard Pete had split up with Nikki she met him and there was still a spark.They've both confessed how much they love one another and now they're an item."

(C) BANG Media International