Leeds-born Justine, who was evicted from the house last Friday night, said she had been warned to expect antisemitism on the Channel Four show.

''I was told it was possible that there may be antisemitic comments made on the show,'' the 27-year-old told the Jewish Telegraph, ''and I should be aware that I may experience it when I left the house.

''I wasn't concerned. I'd dealt with comments in the past. If one of the housemates said something I'd handle it. I'm proud of who I am and will always stand up for my religion.''

She was only forced to take this action once but she ''quickly dealt with it''.

Justine said: ''During a meal Ray was talking about eating out in New York when Federico quipped that Jews are always tight. At the time only Jon knew I was Jewish. He took my hand and said 'don't worry', but I wasn't prepared to sit there and say nothing.

''I can't stand stereotype jokes and quickly put him in his place. I told him not to be an idiot. Federico said it was only a joke and apologised.''

The incident was not shown by Channel Four - although now Justine has made it public knowledge, Glaswegian Federico may find he has lost the Jewish vote when he faces eviction tonight.

Justine, who lost out to Jon in last week's public vote, said she had an in-depth debate about marriage and inter-marriage with the other girls in the house.

''I don't believe in arranged marriages,'' she said, ''and whilst my grandmother doesn't approve, the rest of my family and myself are very open about inter-marriage. I would rather settle down with someone of my religion, but if I fell in love with someone not Jewish then so be it.

''My eldest sister Nikki is married to Phil Crawford and they have settled happily in Altrincham, Cheshire. My twin Loobi is married to Mark Forster who isn't Jewish. Neither has ever had to justify their decision and both my brothers-in-law have always been welcomed into our home.''

Justine admits that she isn't religious and does not keep kosher, but she is proud of her religion and feels honoured to have been the first Jew in the house.

The bubbly lass says the only time she has ever prayed was when her friend Hayley Hyman was in hospital. Sadly, Hayley died of cancer last year, just days before a fashion show which Justine had organised to raise money for Cancer Research.

''I believe in the afterlife and I'm sure she is laughing up there right now,'' Justine added.

Justine has had to get used to seeing herself plastered all over the tabloids, including stories about her sex life, but she says: ''Some of the stories in the press have been exaggerated, I'm happy to say that has not been the case with the Jewish Telegraph. All my family has been brilliant and not looked down on me or been judgmental.

''Some things have happened in the past, and they have taken everything on board. Nobody has thrown it back in my face. I don't regret anything, apart from Hayley not being here, and wouldn't change anything.''

She has also read nasty comments posted on websites including one on talkbigbrother.com which accused her of using 'Jewish sign language' in a derogatory manner. She describes this as ''utter nonsense'' but thanks Jewish users on the site for defending her from antisemitic remarks.

Since leaving the house, Justine has been in great demand, appearing on numerous television programmes and attending a film premiere, but she says: ''Big Brother has not changed me as a person. I will not get carried away with anything, what you see is what you get.''

Her mother, Lynne Craster, has laughed off the tabloid stories about Justine.

She told the Jewish Telegraph: ''All my daughters have always been open with me. I was aware of some of the topics that might come out in the tabloids but they have been blown out of all proportion.

''I will always be 100% supportive not only for Justine but my other daughters as well. Obviously various tabloids use their own phraseology which, if anyone has any sense, readers will take with a pinch of salt.''

Being evicted was a huge shock for Justine. She recalled: ''When Davina McCall said my name , I could not believe it because I was definitely more popular inside the house than Jon.

''Throughout the day, the others said there was no way Jon could win, so I felt confident and was expecting him to be evicted. But, of course, none of us have any idea what public opinion is.''

She added: ''A lot has been made about the amount I ate in Big Brother, which is ridiculous. I had the same as everyone else. On one occasion when our food budget was cut, a number of us felt dizzy, so Big Brother provided extra fruit which we all shared. However, when it was shown on television, I was seen eating fruit on my own, which was a bit misleading.''

Justine is hoping her national television exposure will help her charity work.

''I would certainly like to help promote Cancer Research as much as I can, and I'm sure my time in Big Brother will help that aim,'' she said.

Her mother and uncle Martine wanted to give her a break from the media circus by taking her to see My Fair Lady in the West End at the weekend.

''But when we got out of the theatre she was mobbed by well-wishers. Everyone thought she should not have been evicted,'' Lynne said. ''It's been an incredible few weeks.''

Justine will be at the television studio tonight for the third eviction. She'll have her fingers crossed that Jon Tickle is evicted, but she knows that's unlikely.

''I think that Sissy will be the next to be evicted and it will be interesting to see how the last three girls react because they are bound to think there is a conspiracy going on,'' she said. ''But like myself they have no idea of Jon's public support.''

Robbed in restaurant

Justine Sellman discovered the price of fame on Tuesday. She was approached by some youngsters for her autograph in a restaurant. But while she was signing, the kids made off with one of her mobile phones which was lying on the table