Fireworks lit up the sky on Sunday night as hundreds of Celebrity Big Brother fans flocked to Borehamwood to watch former dancer Bez scoop the £50,000 winning prize.

After 18 days locked up in the house at Elstree Studios, in Shenley Road, Bez (real name Mark Berry) was shocked to hear that he had beaten the bookie's favourite Kenzie, aka James McKenzie, a 19-year-old rapper with group, Blazin' Squad.

Kenzie and fellow runner-up Brigitte Nielsen left the house with a rapturous applause - and a few pantomime boos - from the crowds, some of whom queued up outside the studios all day to catch a glimpse of the celebrities.

This year, Borehamwood's most famous house was inhabited by a host of unlikely celebrities, including model Caprice, racing pundit and Diet Coke obsessive John McCririck and Holby City actor Jeremy Edwards.

Also gracing the town was Sylvester Stallone's mother, Jackie; feminist author, Germaine Greer and bossy ex-Radio 1 DJ, Lisa I'Anson.

No problems were reported by Borehamwood police, who have previously said that crime in the town is reduced during Big Brother evictions and finals due to a greater presence on the street to deter criminals.

A total of £262,002 was raised for charity from 1,048,007 votes.

Each celebrity housemate has nominated a charity to support and the total money raised via voting revenue will be split equally.

A Channel 4 spokesman said: "We are really pleased with success of the programme and everyone that came along to the final night in Borehamwood and we look forward to returning this summer for Big Brother 6."