A former south Essex footballer was today said to be delighted that his girlfriend - Big Brother star Jade Goody - was expecting their first child.

Jeff Brazier, who played for Billericay, Bowers and Canvey Island, lives with Jade on the Chafford Hundred estate near Grays. She is three months pregnant.

Jeff was a popular figure on the local soccer scene, where he earned the nickname "Pin-Up" because he used to model part-time while also pursuing football.

On Nationwide League Division Three Leyton Orient's books in the late 1990s, he first joined Billericay Town.

He then enjoyed a two-season career with Canvey before joining Essex Senior League Bowers. Jeff also recently found more fame as a contestant on TV series Castaway.

Published Thursday, January 16, 2003

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