³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

Can you believe it? They were right. There is a blindy on . And as a bonus, a person with Albinism as well!

I worked with Michael, the blind contestant, on what is now , a radio station for the blind based in Glasgow. We shared an office, and he called me Emerald Emma. Something to do with being Irish I think.

Last night during the launch show, I'd just gone out to make a cup of tea, thinking that if there had been a blind person they would have put them in first, when I heard Michael's very distinctive voice. Incredible. I had to have some shortbread to celebrate.

From what I have seen so far, noone in there is typical. They all have their quirks, and Michael is no different. He's not representative of all blind people, but then why should he be? He's Michael, he collects war Memorabilia, he cross dresses, does stand up comedy and is a news junky. He'd have gotten in there whether his eyes worked or not.

People have also said that he will get the sympathy vote and win, apparently he is 5 to 1 favourite. I'm not so sure. He might win, but by being Michael. If he starts to become annoying, is lazy, is nasty to other people, the poor Michael bit will start to wear thin, and people will treat him like any other housemate who is stopping them from winning the dosh.

I don't know Darnell, the guy with Albinism, but am delighted that he is in the house. Not only has he got the condition, but is a black person with albinism, which is something not many people even knew existed. I hope he does really well, and will try to find out more about him for you as time goes on.

This is what we campaign for, incidental representation of disabled people in the media, and here it is. On our TVs and computers 24-7, visible disability in all it's glory. Fantastic!