A Maidstone football coach has made it into this year's Big Brother house.

Viewers saw Callum Knell enter the famous bungalow on last night's launch show.

The 28-year-old, who teaches youngsters in the town, was a pupil at Maidstone Grammar School, in Barton Road, and was a lifeguard at the town's leisure centre.

The self-confessed ladies' man claims to have saved 19 lives while working on the poolside and said he likes to be a hero.

People who know the hopeful were stunned to see him on the reality series as contestants are required to keep their involvement a secret.

Friend Marc Horton said: "It was such a shock to see him on the show.

"I had no idea he was going in there. I was only with him the other weekend and he didn't let on at all.

"We're all hoping he wins. He's a really nice bloke so I'm sure the public will love him."

Big Brother airs tonight on Channel 5 at 9pm.