Big Brother A quick chat with BBLB host George Lamb

Big Brother’s Little Brother presenter George Lamb chats about this year’s show, his soap star dad, Larry, and managing Lily Allen...

Has it been difficult stepping into Dermot O’Leary’s shoes as presenter of Big Brother’s Little Brother?

"When I took over last year, it was very much Dermot’s show and I felt it only really became mine halfway through the series. Then I had the time of my life."

Is it stressful presenting a live show?
"That’s what I buzz off more than anything. I don’t want to do a pedestrian TV show with pre-rehearsed lines. If guests want to do a dress rehearsal, I tell them not to. I’d rather keep it spontaneous."

Can we expect the same format this year?
"Yes, but this time there’ll be a few more regular guests, including Iain Lee, who was on last year."

Who is the nicest celebrity you have interviewed?
"Michael Douglas was just so chilled. He was very cool and courteous."

How did you come to be Lily Allen’s manager?
"I was already managing a band when I met Lily in Ibiza. She was about 15 and said she was going to be a singer. She had a beautiful voice and I encouraged her to write some songs and she ended up writing an album. I couldn’t get her a record deal and we went our separate ways. She eventually got a deal and the album went on to sell three million copies. I felt sick and vindicated at the same time."

Do people give you a hard time because of your dad Larry Lamb’s character, Archie, in EastEnders?
"Sometimes a cabbie might say, ‘Your dad’s out of order’, but generally everybody loves to hate Archie. Because my dad has been simultaneously playing Mick in Gavin and Stacey, everyone realises he’s not a lunatic."

What are your favourite TV shows?
"Grand Designs, Match of the Day and documentaries. My problem is I think a lot of TV looks cheap and I can't suspend my disbelief. Curb Your Enthusiasm is clearly one of the cleverest, funniest things in the history of TV but I can’t get into it because it looks like it’s been shot on my camera phone. I didn’t like The Wire because I could tell that Dominic West was really English."

What would be your dream job?
"I’d like my own TV show. I think there’s massive room for another TFI Friday or Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush. Chris Evans was a huge presenter when I was growing up."