BALLINA'S Jade Albany didn't take home the $250,000 Big Brother first prize on Wednesday night but according to her mother, Jo, she did win fellow housemate Ed's heart.
The bubbly 23-year-old blonde was voted runner-up by the public in the 10th series of the reality TV show filmed at Gold Coast theme park Dreamworld for the past 101 days.
An extremely proud Ms Albany said her daughter's romance with 26-year-old former North Melbourne AFL player Ed Lower was a hot topic of discussion.
"Ed spent hours with us chatting, he was very gentlemanly and very nice...he's just a delightful person," she said.
"Jade said I'm glad you like him because I'm really in love.
"They are together, but they just don't know how it is going to go now they are out of the house."
Ms Albany said while she was very nervous about being on national television, the eviction show experience was amazing.
"Jade was in shock; her whole body was shaking with emotion but she was very happy that she got through that far and not disappointed she didn't win," she said.
"She said she thought Tim was a very deserving winner."
After a wrap party for cast, crew and families at the Hilton Hotel till 1am, Ms Albany said Jade got up at 5am yesterday to face a media whirlwind of 60 radio and television interviews.
Ms Albany said she saw her daughter's confidence and self-esteem grow during the show, and dismissed rumours Jade was acting for the cameras.
The aspiring actress and former Italia's Next Top Model contestant collected $10,000 for being runner- up, as work offers came flooding in.
"She has already had TV offers from Channel Nine and a few product promotions she has to consider over the next few days," she said.
"Jade would really love to get an ongoing acting role in a TV series."
Jade wasn't the only Northern Rivers' star on the show watched by 1.47 million viewers, with lanterns from Lismore's lantern parade displayed prominently in the finale.
Source: The Daily Examiner
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