Outspoken Ramsgate crimper Marcello, centre, with Big Brother's Mario and Lisa

There were no cutting remarks when Marcello Marino – the outspoken hair salon boss who attracted thousands of complaints after he criticised fellow contestants in Channel 4 TV show Come Dine With Me – met Big Brother 9 couple Mario Marconi and Lisa Appleton.

But they did get the needle.

Marcello, 41, invited the pair for beauty treatments -- including Botox injections -- at his salon in Westcliff Road, Ramsgate, via a mutual friend, and was happy to chat with them and compare notes about their experiences of appearing on TV reality shows.

The duo both had Botox treatments, and their hair cut and styled by Marcello, before heading for a photoshoot with local photographer Paul Holton on the seafront.

They also enjoyed a meal at the Surin Thai restaurant in Ramsgate’s Harbour Street, before making their way to a party in the Rokka bar near the town’s Royal Harbour.

Marcello said: "They had a great time and are interested in finding a house in Ramsgate.

"Mario wanted his hair to look like mine – and I think he was very pleased with the result!"