Ulrika Jonsson was the shock winner of the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother last night – but Shropshire Star feature writer Sue Austin believes pint-sized actor Verne Troyer emerged as the real champion.

He may not have won, or even been the runner-up, but small in stature, big in heart Verne Troyer was the true winner of Celebrity Big Brother.

Bookies’ favourite Verne finished fourth much to the amazement of the crowd which chanted ‘put him back, put him back’ as he walked out of the house.

The tiny actor, best known for his role as mini-me in Austin Powers, brought gasps as he went into the Big Brother house three weeks ago.

Unable to climb the stairs, two foot eight inch tall Verne walked into the house through the tradesman’s entrance. His overnight bag looked like a huge suitcase as he struggled to pull it behind him and I feared that Verne would become a ‘Victorian freak show’ character.

But the little guy soon showed he was a huge character: understated, determined and funny.

He made it clear he wanted no favours and even though he was happy to play along in Big Brother’s tasks, becoming baby bear and a baby in a high chair, his own character shone through.

Watching a tipsy and endearing Verne pour his heart out to La Toya Jackson and charging his scooter into the diary room door were highlights of the show, as was his ability to stamp his authority on the house, when telling mysogynist Coolio he was going too far.

He was a true ambassador for disabled people and fellow housemate Ben, summed it up when he said that at first he thought Verne was different but could now see that he was the same as everyone else.

His first days in the Big Brother house were anxious nervous ones, but he emerged confident and comfortable in his own skin.