Preston sparks hugging epidemic

Preston sparked a hugging epidemic amongst the housemates this morning after claiming that doing do would make them live longer.

The Ordinary Boys frontman said that it had been "scientifically proven" that regular hugs would increase one's lifespan, adding that he regularly hugs the people in his life.

"I think sincere hugs is the point," mused George. "Americans do insincere hugs."

He added: "[Rula] goes to hug me and I don't like that. I don't like hugging someone every day in a formulaic, ritualistic way."

Meanwhile, Pete admitted that he was deprived of hugs as a child. "I never saw my dad hug my mum and he never hugged me in his life either."

Demonstrating how to give a good hug, Preston embraced Rula and Faria, before deciding to hug each member of the house in turn. Before too long the females were doing likewise.

"Excuse me," Rula said as she accosted George. "We haven't hugged this morning."

With the hugging marathon finally over, Preston declared cheerfully: "That's ten minutes longer on all our lives."