Big Brother star Mario Marconi appearing in Celeb Air

WIDNES-BORN Big Brother star Mario Marconi returns to the screen tonight in a new reality show.

Mario, 43, formerly of Moon Street, who appeared on the cult Channel 4 show earlier this year, can now be seen on the ITV2 show Celeb Air, alongside partner and fellow Big Brother contestant Lisa Appleton.

The couple, who now live in Lisa's home town of Warrington, will be passengers on a flight stewarded by other celebrities, such as former X Factor contestant Chico.

Mario said: "We're on there to cause a bit of havoc basically as each week one of the celebrity flight staff gets the sack.

"I'm not the best flyer and on the show Lisa has to provide me with the rescue remedy, but that's all I can say."

The couple, who have signed deals with Neon Management and OK magazine since leaving the Big Brother house, have been delighted with the reception given to them by the Widnes public.

Former stunt man and Royal Mail employee Mario said: "The response has been really good and I've been mobbed when I've been out in Widnes.

"It takes a couple of weeks to get used to having people who you don't know shouting your name in the street.

"It's especially weird when I get spotted walking around Asda in Widnes with my mum, so she's become a local celebrity as well."

Mario and Lisa, who became the first couple to compete in the Big Brother house, are now both hoping to pursue TV careers.

Mario is now in talks with TV bosses to film a fly on the wall style documentary, as well as negotiating coverage of his and Lisa's forthcoming marriage.