'Wee firecracker' Jenny Baird in Big Brother final

Jenny Baird's mother, Breege Gormely, says the family have been overwhelmed by the level of support in Derry and beyond for her daughter in Big Brother

A Big Brother finalist's mother has said her "wee firecracker Derry girl" of a daughter is doing the whole city proud in this year's ITV reality series.

Jenny Baird, a 20-year-old makeup artist, from the Brandywell in Londonderry, was one of 17 housemates to enter the Big Brother house in late September.

She is now one of the last remaining contestants ahead of Friday night's final.

"I've always told her she's capable of anything she puts her mind to, and I've no doubt she's more than capable of going the whole way," her mother, Breege Gormley, said.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme on Friday, Breege said whether Jenny wins or not, she cannot wait to see her daughter.

"Either way, it's a win-win today because she's done amazing," she said.

"She's already a winner. She's made it to the final."

Her mum, who is travelling to England for Friday's final, said with Jenny turning 21 on Saturday, there will be a celebration regardless of the outcome of the show.

Watching her daughter on television has not been without its challenges, Breege admits

The support of the Derry public, Breege said, has been key to Jenny's success.

"Everywhere I go strangers are pumping the horns, shouting, ' go Jenny'. It's just amazing.

"I had to go out to the shop yesterday and there was people stopping and going, 'is she okay?'

"It just completely overwhelms me, especially with the double evictions but she has survived two in the space of a week."

"The tears was tripping my last night whenever I was trying to say thank you again for getting her through to the final."

The family say they have been overwhelmed by the level of support Jenny has received from Derry and beyond since entering the Big Brother house

Coming out of the Big Brother house, Breege said, might take a little bit of getting used to.

"I think she'll probably be shocked at how many people will be like, 'oh, you're Jenny from Big Brother'," her mum said.

"The production (team) said before she went in… you'll probably be known as Jenny, from Big Brother for years to come.

"She was like, 'I love that.'"

What do people in Derry think?

Paul McLaughlin says Jenny is sending out a positive message

Paul McLaughlin, who lives in the Brandywell, said Jenny was doing a fantastic job – and sending a positive message to the community.

"Look at the opportunities you can avail of, she never thought she would have a chance on this programme, so anything is possible and its great to see that," he said.

Patricia Campbell says everyone is behind Jenny

Patricia Campbell works at the the Gasworks café in the Brandywell. It has posters of Jenny everywhere.

"Everybody is delighted and behind her. She's just being herself, just pure Derry," Patricia said.

Owen Gormley is over the moon

Owen Gormley, Jenny's cousin, only found out the day before the show started that Jenny was going into the house.

He is over the moon, he said, with her success.

"Its just madness seeing someone that I used to run about with at my granny and granda's house now on the TV. She's made it, she's a superstar," he said.

Courtney has enjoyed watching Jenny

Jenny used to do Courtney O'Connors make up.

Courtney told BBC News NI she had not watched Big Brother before this season.

"I have enjoyed every moment of it. She is smashing it and just being herself."

'All of Derry is behind her'

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle in October, Jenny's friend Shane Melly said he met her through a mutual friend when he was 10 and she was 12, and that they instantly became close friends.

"When we met, we clicked straight away and we have been stuck to each other's side ever since," Shane said.

"She would even tell you herself, but she's mad, she's funny.

"She could step into a room and have everyone in fits of laughter with whatever comes out of her mouth - she doesn't even mean to be funny half the time, she's just naturally funny.

"Her personality is huge. I've never met someone with as big a personality, and I think that's why we click so well."

Shane said Jenny is "a proud Derry girl" and will no doubt be blown away by the support she has received since entering the house.

"She's such a genuine person, and I told her before she even went into the [Big Brother] house that she would definitely have the backing of the people here, and all of the Derry ones would be supporting her all the way through this."

How to watch the Big Brother final?

Friday night's live Big Brother final starts on ITV2 and ITVX at 21:00 GMT, with the winner expected to be revealed just before the show ends at 22:35.

It will be followed by Big Brother: Late & Live.