Big Brother 2 champ Brian Dowling has been named the most favourite BB housemate ever.

The Irish former air steward came top in a poll on the show's official website.

"I'm really shocked and surprised!" he wrote on his website today. "I took part in the show four years ago and there's been so many contestants and popular characters since then. I really thought Jade or Nadia would have had it in the bag. I'm very flattered, thank you to everyone for voting for me, I have the best fans in the world."

The top 20 in full:

20. Alison Hammond (BB3)
19. Cameron Stout (BB4)
18. Marco Sabba (BB5)
17. Spencer Smith (BB3)
16. Anna Nolan (BB1)
15. Craig Phillips (BB1)
14. Jon Tickle (BB4)
13. Emma Greenwood (BB5)
12. Nick Bateman (BB1)
11. Alex Sibley (BB3)
10. Paul Clarke (BB2)
9. Victor Ebuwa (BB5)
8. Kate Lawler (BB3)
7. Stuart Wilson (BB5)
6. Ray Shah (BB4)
5. Michelle Bass (BB5)
4. Helen Adams (BB2)
3. Jade Goody (BB3)
2. Nadia Almeida (BB5)
1. Brian Dowling (BB2)

Of the 62 housemates from the five series, BB1 vixen Melanie Hill ranked in last place.