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Finale Night Kicks Off
Ben Booted
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Ben was absolutely gobsmacked to be out on the stage surrounded by screaming fans. In third place, he admitted he wasn’t upset to not have won. “I knew it was just a matter of time – you can’t compete against Terri and Rory, they’re beautiful people. I’m just stoked to be here for the finale,” Ben said.
He watched as a recap of his final week in the House was played on the screen. Inside the House, Terri and Rory were reeling. The Nanna and her Toyboy could simply not believe they were the final two Housemates. Both were proud Australians, both adored family above anything else. Both had formed a tight bond since early days in the House. And now they were finishing the journey together.
Back on stage, Jackie O wasted no time in hitting Ben up about Bianca. “I didn’t think she was that into me,” Ben said. “Oh no, she is,” Jackie said. “I was scared to lose that friendship,” Ben said but Jackie asked if he would be interested in pursuing something on the outside. “She’s keen,” Kyle assured him - and Ben had the grace to blush.
To complete the awkward spoon’s moment, Bianca was brought out on stage. He went fire engine red as the two embraced. “Benny Boo Boo Boo,” Bianca said, squeezing him. Kyle tried to coax the pair to kiss and revealed Bianca had turned down Zoo’s $20 000 offer to pose. “Did you!?” Ben asked, stunned. The two declined to participate in a public pash but were obviously delighted to be reunited… and who knows what will happen at the after-party?
But BB had another treat in store for the HMs. “Rory, Terri – congratulations. You are the final two,” BB announced. “Over this time, there have been many surprises. Some good, some bad. Big Brother has one final surprise for you.”
This time, the surprise was a brilliant one. The Housemates would have a moment with their loved ones.
Terri’s daughter Roslyn and Grandson Dawson came through the cloud doors and Terri immediately broke down. “Isn’t he magic?” she said of Dawson. “Rory, he’s just magic.” Terri and her daughter sobbed and embraced.
Then it was Rory’s turn. “I love you so much, I am so proud of you,” Rory’s Mum said, crying as she hugged him tight. The family members all introduced each other and Rory’s Mum joked to Terri, “I thought you were going to be my daughter-in-law for a while!”
BB announced it was time for the loved ones to leave. Tears were flowing as everyone shared how proud they were. “Your son is wonderful,” Terri told Rory’s Mum. “Good luck,” she said in return.
As the loved ones left, Rory and Terri turned to each other in shock and with tears in their eyes. They traded stores and let out huge breaths. Terri couldn’t stop singing the praises of Dawson. “He is so cute,” agreed Rory. Terri complimented Rory’s Mum and Rory proudly concurred.
Suddenly, Kyle and Jackie popped up on the screen. They too, had a treat. It was time to recap the Nanna and the Brickie’s time in the House. Rory was first. He guffawed as he spotted himself in a g-string and went pensive as he saw himself and Rhianna sharing special moments. Terri put her hand to her mouth as she watched her time in the House. Rory placed a protective arm around her as she watched some of the more emotional moments.
BB announced it was time to stand at the Eviction doors. The Housemates went inside and spotted two money cases with all their cash inside. “From the thousands that auditioned, to the 20 HMs who entered the Big Brother House.
“You are the final two. It is time to leave the Big Brother House,” BB announced. “Good luck.”
And they were Big Brother’s final words.
Rory and Terri went outside the House. They were greeted by Mike, Bree and Fitzy. The trio asked what they most wanted to do in the outside. Terri said she wanted to shower naked. Rory admitted he had already done that and said he missed driving a manual car. “I want to eat a meat pie with sauce and I want to play with my dog!” he added.
Terri and Rory clutched hands as they walked down to an awaiting red Mustang. They were greeted by the ex-HMs. Rory had just enough time to plant a kiss on Rhianna’s lips before he and Terri leapt in the backseat of the ‘Stang and made their way to the stage.
The two walked proudly down the ramp, with silver confetti streaming around them. “How are you feeling?” Jackie O asked. “My heart is coming out of my chest!” admitted Terri. “Yeah!” screamed Rory, full of excitement. “I can’t believe this!” Terri gushed.
The pair watched a recap of their time in the House as they sat, completely shell-shocked, on the stage couch. “I must admit, I thought, ‘How did this ugly, old lady get on this show?’” said Terri, her voice clogged with repressed tears.
The emotion was clearly written across both Terri and Rory’s faces as they waited out the verdict. Rory’s hands were shaking as he watched Pamela Anderson’s time in the House on the playbacks.
Jackie held up a gold envelope and announced the moment had come. “The winner of Big Brother for 2008 is… Terri!”
The Nanna instantly covered her face as Rory embraced her. Immensely overwhelmed, she hugged both Jackie and Rory before being rejoined by her loved ones. Terri could hardly talk or breathe as she hugged Roslyn and held Dawson in her arms. “I love you so much,” she said to her family, as Joe kissed her.
“Well done Terri, we love you!” said Kyle as the HMs joined Terri on stage and everyone rejoiced.
“Words just can’t describe,” Terri said of the result. “I didn’t go in there to be their mother or their boss.” Jackie asked what words she had for her fans. “I just cannot thank you enough,” Terri said with a wavering voice. Terri went on to pay tribute to Rory, saying she had picked him as the winner and almost felt sad he hadn’t taken out the title.
From the oldest Housemate and the first Evictee, to the Grey Nomad and the Negative Nanna… Terri managed to shine through 85 days in the House to emerge the victor. With tears streaming down her face, her family and loved ones all around and the Housemates shouting words of congratulations, Terri finally had something to make her believe that sometimes, dreams really do come true. Terri’s glass is no longer half full or half empty – it runs over.
