Oh Brother, was it worth the bother?

After nine weeks, 12 housemates, 34 cameras, two presenters and a couple of chickens, the fourth series of Big Brother finally grinds to a halt tonight.

Many will breathe a sigh of relief, after viewers and TV critics slammed the series as the dullest ever.

As speculation mounts over the show's future, even host Davina McCall admitted this year's contest was not exciting.

Ratings started out on a high when a record 7million tuned in for the first show.

Since then, the audience has averaged at just over 4million. But, crucially, the numbers phoning to vote off contestants have plummeted.

Channel 4 bosses last night denied Big Brother had become tired and insisted the series was as popular as ever.

A spokesman said: 'It is our most successful show, of course it will be back next year.'

Heat! magazine editor Mark Firth - who has tipped Cameron to walk away with the £70,000 prize - yesterday claimed Jon Tickle was the only star to come out of BB4.

He said: 'Jon is an interesting character but he'll be a short-term novelty.

'Cameron, the religious fish trader from Orkney, might get a job presenting Songs Of Praise - that would be entertaining.

'But I don't think any of the housemates will be as famous as previous winners like Brian Dowling or Kate Lawler.'

The winner of BB4 will be revealed at 10.30pm on Channel 4.