- Antonia Matthews
- BBC News
Jenkins and Beth Evans have been friends since they were 11 years old.
Big Brother contestant Jenkin always dreamed of being on the show and knew he would become a reality star, says his best friend.
The 25-year-old from Bridgend found himself in the spotlight after entering the Big Brother house on Sunday during the show’s return to British television.
“We always said at school that he would end up on Big Brother,” Beth Evans said.
“I’m really proud of him. It’s kind of a dream for him.”
Watching the program on Sunday night was “really nostalgic,” she added.
Jenkin and Beth, who had known each other since they were 11, enjoyed watching Big Brother as teenagers, texting each other and debriefing at school the next day.
Jenkins and friends Beth and Daniel have always been “united”
More than 2.5 million people watched 16 new contestants enter the Big Brother house as the reality show returned to TV screens for the first time in five years.
The housemates immediately took part in the housewarming party with games.
Jenkin’s suitcase was blown up, leaving him without access to hot water for the day and unwittingly selecting 23-year-old Olivia for the first eviction on Friday.
“I think he’s going to thrive, I honestly think he’s going to be a fan favorite,” Ms Evans said.
Jenkin is one of 16 2023 contestants on the show.
“He’s so calm and so interesting,” she added.
But she said there could be some drama between Jenkins and fellow contestant Henry, adding they might not “understand each other.”
“Loud, bright, lush”
“The Jenkin you see on screen is the Jenkin you see in real life,” Ms. Evans said.
He was always the loudest in class, she said, adding that he was “infectious.”
“Every time he laughed, you laughed,” Ms. Evans said.
She described him as “a loud, flamboyant character, he’s so lush. He is the most loving boy on earth.”
Jenkin was not a troublemaker at school, but he never wanted to work, she said.
“The teachers wanted to hate him, but they loved him,” Ms Evans said. “Deep down, he knows he’s entertaining… he knows he’s a reality TV star.”
Jenkin, Beth and friend Danielle (right) were big fans of the Disney sitcom Hannah Montana.
At age 16, the friends formed a Miley Cyrus tribute band with another close friend, called Bangers after the singer’s album.
“We didn’t give anyone little shows,” she laughed, adding: “He (Jenkin) was a diva.”
“I think he’d like to be a TV presenter,” she said.
She said it was difficult for her to watch fellow contestant Olivia criticize his dress sense on Sunday’s show.
“I wanted to cry, I wanted to go and hug him,” Ms Evans said.
“I could hear it in his voice and you could tell he felt so terrible. You can tell it upset him a little, but I’m sure it won’t stop him from shining.”
“It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m sure most viewers will like it.
“I can’t wait for everyone to see the real Jenkin.”