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Richard Newman on Big Brother UK. |
Besides the fact that the Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup finals, Albertans have another reason to cheer. Across the pond, one of their own is ruling the Big Brother UK house and has a good chance at winning the entire game.
Richard Newman, the 33-year-old waiter with a background in radio broadcasting, has survived all of the public votes thus far and remains in the running for the grand prize. Newman has dual citizenship and now lives in England. He was born there but grew up in Edmonton.
"We were elated that he made the list of HouseGuests," his sister Clare Dewar told Jam! Showbiz from Edmonton. "My reaction was one of hesitation at first. I was worried Richard would be perceived negatively not because he's gay but because of the fact that he's older than the other housemates. I knew he would take on a leadership role and I wasn't sure how the other housemates would perceive his intentions."
Dewar and her family in England as well as in Canada are firmly glued to their computer and television screens rooting for Richard although the series does not air in North America.
"We spend hours on the phone with one another discussing the episodes and fan forums and polls. The family in England calls us with any important details that we might not yet have heard or seen. We are all elated and are incredibly proud of Richard," she said.
Richard's Canadian heritage and sexuality have been played up by the producers as part of his persona. In the promo video that introduced him to viewers, Richard waved the Canadian flag as he lifted logs in a forest and spoke about his connection to the Native Peoples of Canada.
Dewar thought the stereotypical lumberjack portrayal of a Canadian was hilarious.
"Richard is proud to be gay and he's proud to be Canadian. He was in the forest with the logs and dressed in camouflage shorts and a muscle shirt because it's symbolic of whom he is: a gay Canadian who loves the outdoors and big men!," stated Dewar revealing that Richard wore his trademark cowboy hat in the series premiere as a reference to the film 'Brokeback Mountain' which was filmed in Alberta. Dewar says Richard thought it was amusing that a gay man would be representing not only Canada but Alberta on the hugely popular reality series.
While there were some laughs to be had in his promo, Dewar says there were serious issues behind Richard leaving Alberta and moving to England some years ago. Although his family has always been accepting and supportive of Richard's sexuality, the local community was oftentimes not. According to Dewar, Richard wasn't always as confident as Big Brother UK fans see him now. Growing up in Edmonton, Richard was constantly bullied and mistreated by some because of his sexuality.
"People still to this day ask me how my "faggot" brother is. It's disgusting! The day Richard moved to London was the day his life changed forever," she explained.
Although it made for good TV, Richard's personal connection to the Native community in Edmonton wasn't an exaggeration. His mother worked for the Justice Department in Natives Affairs for many years and the family attended Native events and ceremonies.
"My mom thought it was very important for us to be immersed in another culture, especially the Native culture since we lived in Alberta," she recalled. Dewar still remembers how Richard took it upon himself to assist the Native communities by delivering presents and food to families on the nearby reserves.
Unlike the North American version of the reality show series, the Big Brother UK HouseGuests put each other up for nomination but it is the public who has the final say as they are the ones who decide which player gets the boot each week. The players are not permitted to discuss nominations in any way, shape or form either. Newman has risen to become the father figure in the Big Brother UK house settling disputes and offering advice to the younger players. That is no surprise to Dewar.
"People have always been drawn to Richard because he is a very caring individual and a diplomat," she said. "He is a fantastic shoulder to cry on and gives the most wonderful advice. He's very honest about his feelings and does not take crap from anyone. He probably doesn't even know he's taken on the leadership role because it's just second nature to him."
Richard's leadership role is what worries her though when it comes to his chances to win the game. Others might view him as a threat that will need to be dealt with sooner or later. Based on his smarts and personality, Dewar predicts Richard will at least finish in the top three.
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Richard in the Big Brother UK Diary (confessional) Room..
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"I would like to see him win the game but I'm not sure if he can beat Pete who is adorable," she surmised. "I think the other Housemates will get rid of him because if they were to go head-to-head with Richard he'd probably win. He's a very strong player."
Through her talks with Richard before he went on the series, Dewar is sure that fame is not his motivation for participating although the aspiring screenwriter sure could put the prize money to good use.
"He's not in the house to scheme and connive. He's in the house to have the best time of his life and meet some really interesting people. I can guarantee you that Richard will remain in contact with most of those people and not one of those HouseGuests will view him as a snake when the series is finished," she said.
