Big Brother’s Farida breaks silence on secret show advantages that weren’t shown on camera and ‘racism’ row
FARIDA has broken her silence on Big Brother’s so-called “race row” – and admitted she had a secret advantage on the show.
The controversial housemate, 50, was first to be evicted following a bitter battle against her rival Kerry – with some fans claiming the result was “racist”.
Muslim make-up artist Farida says she has “no regrets” wearing her hijab, insisting it made her feel “powerful” instead of holding her back.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Farida defended her decision to wear her head covering in the house – despite appearing on Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me without it.
“It’s a journey, darling. I wear it because I want to wear it,” she said.
“Nobody’s making me wear this, not my husband or anyone.
“Just because I didn’t wear it on Come Dine With Me doesn’t mean I didn’t used to wear it even then.
“During that part of my life it was on off, on, off, on off. It was my own personal journey, but I’ve always been practising.
“I’m absolutely proud of my hijab. Just because people are seen to be wearing certain garments, it doesn’t make them more religious or less religious.
“Praying is a big part of my world because of all the trauma I faced. I feel like it’s a form of meditation that’s helped me keep very grounded.
“If I had to do Big Brother again, I’d do it exactly the same and wear it. I want to let Muslim women know that it doesn’t matter.
“There’s a lot of women that think if you cover your head, it makes you less, but for me it’s done nothing but give me more opportunities.
“It makes me feel powerful.
“I feel so blessed.”
Farida told how she was the only housemate given a clock to tell the time for her prayers five times a day.
She was also allowed her own bed and private shower.
“My housemates were desperate to know the time and kept asking me,” said Farida.
“I didn’t want to get into trouble or get them in trouble.
“They would try to work out the time because of how many prayers I’d done.
“In my day to day life, I’m a firm believer in being organised, giving myself a routine and getting up early.
“It gives me structure and focus.
“There’s a lot of benefits in praying five times a day.
“The fact that I was practising would give me something to look forward to.
“I thought it would keep me busy, but to be honest, once you get in there, there’s not even time to cook.
“You’re living on about four hours sleep every night. It’s mad”