Two more housemates have been taken into the confidence of the House's brand new alliance. While member Lauren chomped her breakfast in the kitchen, members Lydia and Deana, sat - in what is emerging as their HQ - by the pool. Squeaky, tantrum-fan Chris was the first to be lured onto their couch.

The pair deployed intense psychological pressure as they tried to swing Chris round to their point of view without fully clueing him into the bigger picture. Lydia led the charge with emotionally-loaded phrases like, "You need to realise who your friends are" and "I don't care what you've said about me. All we care about is from this day forward." We're wiping away a tear.

With Chris bamboozled into, if not agreement then certainly vulnerability, Lydia quickly pushed her gains, wondering if Chris has the power to sway Shievonne. He seemed to think so and perked up a treat when it came to bitching about Arron. "He's got the biggest game plan in here," he announced proudly informing the ladies that after a seemingly-pleasant chat with the male model last night, he had mouthed a naughty word at the camera. "I wish you could have seen it." We're sure it was beautiful, love.

The pair refused to tell Chris about the change to the rules that allows housemates to talk to each other about their nomination fearing that he would "blow up". They instead alluded mysteriously to the impending House meeting when this fact will be revealed to one and all.

As if this wasn't exciting enough, just as we were about to draw breath, we noticed Lydia sitting Becky down on the poolside couch. Her dropped jaw and the dramatic whispers suggest that she is latest to be ensnared.

Whatever else you think about 'the alliance', you have to admire the tireless dedication to plotting and scheming.