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BIG DAY

Big Brother’s first winner Craig Phillips ties the knot as new wife donates wedding dress and gifts to charity

The original Big Brother winner got hitched in a lavish ceremony to his girlfriend of two years

The winner of the first ever series of Big Brother, Craig Phillips, married his sweetheart today in a dream winter wonderland wedding.

Liverpudlian Craig, who has gone on to be a popular TV DIY expert, has been with Laura Sherriff for two years.

 Craig and Laura got married in a dream setting in the Cheshire countryside
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Craig and Laura got married in a dream setting in the Cheshire countrysideCredit: PHILIP BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY

The pair tied the knot at the enchanting Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, and threw a bash for 200 of their nearest and dearest.

Craig, who won Big Brother in 2000, famously gave away his £70,000 winnings to a family friend, Joanne Harris, who needed ongoing medical treatment.

In another selfless act, Craig, 46, and Laura asked that instead of receiving gifts from their guests to mark their special day, they instead donate to - a hospice close to their hearts.

The hospice cared for Laura's brother, Daniel, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly after he was born, and offered support to her family.

 The couple have asked for charity donations instead of wedding gifts to mark their special day
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The couple have asked for charity donations instead of wedding gifts to mark their special dayCredit: PHILIP BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY
 Craig and Laura looked stunning as they stood up before 200 friends and family
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Craig and Laura looked stunning as they stood up before 200 friends and familyCredit: PHILIP BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY
 The couple are launching a business, Mr and Mrs DIY, when they return from their snowboarding honeymoon
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The couple are launching a business, Mr and Mrs DIY, when they return from their snowboarding honeymoonCredit: PHILIP BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY
 The smitten couple attending a charity ball last summer
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The smitten couple attending a charity ball last summerCredit: Rex Features

Laura also revealed she is auctioning her wedding dress to raise even more money for the worthy cause.

The stunning bride opted for a fishtail white gown with a feathered cape.

Following the wedding, they are jetting off on a snowboarding honeymoon in Colorado.

Craig proposed to Laura last March during a trip to Sydney when they pair had walked to the top of the iconic Harbour Bridge.

He shared the moment on Instagram shortly before their wedding, which showed Laura crying with happiness as Craig got down on one knee.

 Craig popped the question during a dream break in Australia
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Craig popped the question during a dream break in AustraliaCredit: Instagram / Craig Phillips
 Craig found fame when he won the first series of Big Brother in 2000
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Craig found fame when he won the first series of Big Brother in 2000Credit: Channel 5
 Craig alongside fellow Big Brother winners Josie Gibson, Pete Bennett and Anthony Hutton in 2010's Ultimate Big Brother
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Craig alongside fellow Big Brother winners Josie Gibson, Pete Bennett and Anthony Hutton in 2010's Ultimate Big BrotherCredit: Rex Features
 Davina crowned him the winner of the first ever UK Big Brother 17 years ago
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Davina crowned him the winner of the first ever UK Big Brother 17 years agoCredit: Ken McKay
Builder Craig Phillips wins the first ever Big Brother, beating Anna in the 200 final

With a shared passion for building and DIY, the happy couple are launching a new project, Mr and Mrs DIY.

They plan to share tips and hacks for household and garden jobs, through their website and social media, showing that anyone can do DIY and that it isn't a job just for men.

For anyone wishing to donate to Helen and Douglas House, .

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