FORMER central Queensland man Michael Beveridge was the first contestant to enter the Big Brother house earlier this week on WIN's debut of the popular reality show.

In an interview posted on the Big Brother website, the shaggy 26-year-old told WIN he grew up on a farm in Emerald, before moving to Mount Isa.

A WIN spokeswoman said Michael moved to Emerald when he was about five years old and lived there for about five years.

She said he still referred to it as the time which connected him to country Queensland.

It is believed Michael attended St Patrick's primary school during his time there.

Michael is now a junior copywriter at a Brisbane advertising agency.

To catch Michael in action in the new Big Brother house, tune into WIN weeknights at 7pm.

Meet Michael

• Age: 26
• Occupation: Junior advertising copywriter
• Lives: Brisbane, but grew up in
• Emerald
• Fun fact: Says he won't cut his hair for anything or anybody and he's incredibly untidy