Sandy escapes Big Brother house

Sandy Cumming, who was today due to become the second contestant to walk out on Big Brother, has tried to flee the house by scaling a wall.

The Scot, who had told his housemates he was bored and wanted to leave, climbed the garden fence, leapt on to part of the set roof and clambered down scaffolding on the other side - inches from a video camera. His escape bid, 11 hours ahead of schedule, was applauded by his housemates.

Big Brother producers cut the sound as the married personal shopper and stylist was seen talking to Spencer Smith. It is believed he was discussing his plan as moments later he made the break-out bid.

Cumming made his decision to leave yesterday - forcing the show's bosses to decide whether or not to replace him after he was expected to depart from the Big Brother house at seven tonight.

Viewers saw him spend most of last night drinking wine and champagne and at one point was so drunk he almost fell into the kitchen sink.

The getaway is sure to prompt Channel 4 to step up security at the site. A spokesman for Big Brother said: "He made his decision to leave yesterday and arrangements were put in place. However, it seems at some point this morning he climbed on to the roof and indicated he was not prepared to stay any longer.

"He is now with the production team, while we decide what to do with him."

Cumming's housemates were stunned. Kate Lawler said: "Well, he wanted out, so I hope he makes it."

And a laughing Spencer Smith said: "Fair play to the guy. At least he's gone out with a bang."

Cumming, who describes himself as "43 going on 16", had become increasingly unhappy in the house and had had several conversations with Big Brother producers about leaving.

The Scottish-born Londoner, who spent 14 years in the Army before becoming a personal shopper, told his confidant Alex Sibley at 7.30 last night that he had made up his mind. Appearing tearful, Cumming said: "I'm not getting anything out of it. As far as I'm concerned it's come to the end for me."

It is the first time that two people have voluntarily left a series of the reality TV show - and the first time anyone has "escaped".

Trainee barrister Sunita Sharma, 25, was the first British contestant to leave 13 days ago.

She left after just six days, finding, like Cumming, that she had had enough of her housemates. "I do not think they are morons exactly," she said with a hint of understatement. "But they are not the kind of people I would normally spend time with."

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Was Sandy right to leave?