World of Chig   

18.4.04
Mr Games UK

Big congrats to Jarrod Batchelor for winning another competition last night - The Games on C4. He came from behind (ahem) to share the title with Shane Lynch. How Romeo will break the news to his So Squalid Crew, that he was beaten by a pouf and a Paddy, I don't know, but I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he does.

Jarrod has been an absolute credit to himself all week and, if we must accept the idea that he somehow represents the gay community (he doesn't - the responsibility would be enormous - but that's the way some of the public will see it), he's done 'us' proud. He's had to suffer the ignominy of being referred to, in the commentary and the captions, as 'Mr Gay UK' all the time, as if he doesn't actually have a real name. (It's not a homophobic thing; they did exactly the same with Miss World last year.) Note how his profile on the C4 Games website actually calls him 'My Gay UK' instead of 'Mr'. Hasn't anyone at C4 noticed? Jarrod has come across as a thoroughly likeable, thoughtful, quiet young man, with a fit bod and a good haircut. He's managed to stay calm and controlled when the other slebs have been going a bit mad, and just got on with the winning. Well done matey! In fact, as someone accidentally e-mailed me Jarrod's work e-mail address yesterday(!), I may just tell him that myself! He's also made loads of money for the Albert Kennedy Trust by doing The Games, which is excellent.

Nice to see all of Boyzone (yes, even Ronan) turning up to support Shane. I'm sure Stephen wasn't just there to meet Jarrod...

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