Such is the nature of Big Brother, that in a few days time Jodie will be a distant memory, and we will all instead be discussing the remaining housemates.
So a few words, then to say farewell to Jodie.
She was a superb addition to the show. No doubt selected for her loud and confrontational style, she did not disappoint. Think Jodie, and you think loud, outrageous, controversial, insecure, argumentative, tenacious and uncompromising. But you also think vulnerable, emotional, fun-loving, determined and principled.
I don't hold to the view that she was bullied, despite the fact that the behaviour of some of the others was unacceptable. In my view, Jodie contributed to the conflict and helped sustain it. She could, at any time, have approached Galloway & Co and simply said "look, lets start again", and this would have resolved the situation (with real bullies, such an approach would probably have been futile) but she chose not to do so because this was not in her nature. Perhaps she was too proud, or perhaps she lacked the humility.
Nevertheless, those who castigate Jodie Marsh (including Mr Galloway) would do well to remember that she was not and is not a bad person. She may be insecure, and she may be self obsessed, but her intentions are generally good. The worst that can be said of her is that she mis-judged the group dynamic and pursued an ill advised strategy, but she was not the only one to do this.
And while she is the first to leave the house, her impact on the show and the other housemates has been dispropotionately large. By being Jodie Marsh, she has forced the hand of both George Galloway and Michael Barrymore, and we have, as a result, had glimpses of their inner demons too. Galloway and Barrymore may feel a certain tinge of victory at Jodie's removal, but I suspect that neither yet guesses the price they will have to pay for this.
So a few words, then to say farewell to Jodie.
She was a superb addition to the show. No doubt selected for her loud and confrontational style, she did not disappoint. Think Jodie, and you think loud, outrageous, controversial, insecure, argumentative, tenacious and uncompromising. But you also think vulnerable, emotional, fun-loving, determined and principled.
I don't hold to the view that she was bullied, despite the fact that the behaviour of some of the others was unacceptable. In my view, Jodie contributed to the conflict and helped sustain it. She could, at any time, have approached Galloway & Co and simply said "look, lets start again", and this would have resolved the situation (with real bullies, such an approach would probably have been futile) but she chose not to do so because this was not in her nature. Perhaps she was too proud, or perhaps she lacked the humility.
Nevertheless, those who castigate Jodie Marsh (including Mr Galloway) would do well to remember that she was not and is not a bad person. She may be insecure, and she may be self obsessed, but her intentions are generally good. The worst that can be said of her is that she mis-judged the group dynamic and pursued an ill advised strategy, but she was not the only one to do this.
And while she is the first to leave the house, her impact on the show and the other housemates has been dispropotionately large. By being Jodie Marsh, she has forced the hand of both George Galloway and Michael Barrymore, and we have, as a result, had glimpses of their inner demons too. Galloway and Barrymore may feel a certain tinge of victory at Jodie's removal, but I suspect that neither yet guesses the price they will have to pay for this.
She earned her money and was not afraid to speak up when others were happy getting sore bottoms from sitting on the fence. One of those types who are too honest for their own good. Excellent addition to the show 
