A man whose life has been blighted by Tourette's syndrome has praised Big Brother star Pete Stephenson for helping millions understand the condition.

Christopher May, 41, who runs Sussex support group Tourette's In Crisis, said the 24-year-old was helping sufferers by breaking down taboos and misconceptions about the disorder.

Pete, who fronts Brighton band Daddy Fantastic, has been popular inside the Big Brother house and is now firm favourite to win.

Television critics agree he is by far the most likeable contestant in the show's history and social networking website Myspace had to build a new page for Daddy Fantastic after 172,000 people tried to join their official site and crashed it.

Mr May, who lives in Shoreham and was diagnosed with Tourette's, aged 19, said: "Pete is putting himself forward very well. He's getting on really well with everyone and is really popular inside and outside the house.

"It seems as though people aren't feeling sorry for him, he's being liked for who he is.

"He is hopefully showing people that there is a life beyond Tourette's."

Mr May said one of the biggest problems for sufferers of the condition, which causes involuntary body movements and vocal outbursts, was a lack of public understanding.

He said: "It is brilliant news we have a Tourette's sufferer on one of the most popular shows on television.

"It's watched by millions so Pete is definitely widening public awareness.

"Even if he was a really bad example of a sufferer it would still be a good thing as he would still be on air and people would be seeing what Tourette's is all about."

Mr May was one of the first people in the UK to have brain surgery to alleviate his symptoms, which included an urge to lift his eyelid and poke his eye, and forcing his finger up his nose.

Once he convulsed and put his left hand through a window, causing disabling nerve damage.

He still suffers from tics and screeching and also has paranoia and anxiety which are linked to Tourette's.

Mr May said: "I just hope that his time in the house doesn't make him ill, as stress is not a good thing for Tourette's sufferers. That's the only thing I'm worried about.

"But he is distancing himself from arguments and seems to be the kind of guy that will let it all flow over him. Good on him.

"It would be great to get him in to talk to us when he gets out but I imagine he will be difficult to get hold of."

Mr May got funding from the Scarman Trust in 2003 to launch his support group, which is based at the Old Schoolhouse in Ham Road, Shoreham.

For more information, call 01273 465150 or visit www.tourettes. fslife.co.uk