He talked about his relationships with other CBB housemates... and why he still catches the bus
He was part of the biggest on screen bromance of the year.
Now Celebrity Big Brother runner up and Bolster Moor resident Austin Armacost has opened up about his relationship with 2015 winner James Hill, what he really thought of the other contestants and his time in the house where he was one of the series’ most no holds barred contestants.
USA-born and raised Austin, 27, is still getting used to his new found fame following his eviction in the September 27 final.
He took time out to unwind all at Kings Bar in Huddersfield.
“The success I’ve had in last 15 days has been phenomenal”, said Austin, who was with his husband of eight years Jake Lees, from Slaithwaite.
“I’ve never been that bothered about people accepting me but the positivity has been great – it’s not at all easy to crack the UK.
“Everything’s been very crazy– I’ve done dozens of interviews and club appearances, most with James. Our agents book events for us together.”
He spoke about his relationship with Apprentice star James, which captured the hearts of many viewers.
“One of the craziest things I’ve been told is that James and I have won a national award for our bromance which will be revealed next Friday.
“Even though we’re really busy we still see each other a few times a week and we ring each other every day, although he makes me want to take away his Yorkshire card from him because he acts like he’s from Essex.
“We’re going to have a three day binge on Big Brother because we’ve still no idea what was broadcast on TV, although I know that the producers didn’t show a lot of things like us opening up to each other.
“My favourite moment of Big Brother was mantub with James. I was so upset when Big Brother turned our hot water off for two days as punishment for talking about the nomination.
“It’s really special being able to build a relationship so close. I didn’t want to go through the Big Brother experience alone and it’s become the deepest friendship I’ve ever had because we just spent every moment together for 28 days.”
His memories of other housemates were not as serene, such as Janice, who had a massive row between her, Farrah Abraham, Jenna Jameson and Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace on September 22 that had to be taken off air.
“Janice was a nightmare to live with,” said Austin.
“She was abusive every day and I think she’s been deported actually for smashing a chair over Farrah’s head on the side.
“I called her a bad mother because she was going on and on about what a great mother she was but my mum would never have behaved in the way she did so I just blew my gasket.
“She’d wake up lovely but her mood would rapidly change over the day.
“I was never looking for drama but I’m outspoken, honest and truthful and never tried to hurt anyone’s feelings.
“I always had to fight back against my older brothers when growing up – I think that’s why I even argued with Scoop.”
His 28 day stay gave Austin time to reflect.
“I had nothing to do but analyse myself and realised certain aspects of my behaviour wasn’t acceptable, for example shouting, saying things too aggressively and being loud all the time,” he said.
“It also allowed me to start mourning for my brother Tyler, who died in 2013, which I’d not given myself time to do before then.
“His passing was so terrible. He was an Iraq veteran and came back with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a back injury which needed operating on.
“But instead of giving him one he was pumped full of drugs because it was cheaper for the health insurers and one day, because of all the pills he was taking, he fell asleep at the wheel of his car and it crashed, killing him.
“Then my mum was sent to prison for stealing money from her employer to provide for Tyler because since he’d come back from the war he’d not been able to work and hadn’t had any support from the government.
“She only got out five days before I went into the house, it’s all been very tough.
“Being in Big Brother gave me time to switch my emotions back on.”
Known before he went in as an underwear model, he found unique ways to keep his body toned.
Austin said: “I have to exercise so I’d do pull ups on bits of the set, which got me in trouble, and when contestants who’d survived eviction came back I’d use their suitcases for weight lifting.
“I had some great times. One of my other favourite memories was getting to wear the cufflinks of Princess Diana which her butler Paul Burrell brought in when I had to play royal servant.”
Back out, he has lots of plans for his future.
“I’m a trained actor and have had requests already, although I can’t reveal too much,” he said.
“When I was in the house Sherrie Hewson offered me a guest spot on Benidorm and on Loose Women, which I’m looking forward to.
“And I’ve been given a place in Northwich’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarves as Prince Charming, which will be awesome.
“I’ve got some reality TV shows in the works so people will definitely be seeing me more and more.”
Despite his fame, Austin is determined to keep his feet on the ground.
“I still ride the bus from our house down to Huddersfield bus station with Jake because none of us have a car over here.
“I also want this publicity to be a good platform for my campaigning.
“I want to do more to educate people about PTSD and step up a campaign to allow international spouses of British people to gain citizenship more easily because at the moment the British partner must earn over £18,600 which keeps a lot of couples apart.”
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