Gina Rio enjoys secret dates with football star Jermain Defoe

SPOILT Big Brother brat Gina Rio has enjoyed secret dates with “bad boy” footballer Jermain Defoe.

The 23-year-old beauty hooked up with the Tottenham and England striker before she entered the Big Brother house

The 23-year-old beauty hooked up with the 30-year-old Premier League striker shortly before she entered the Big Brother house when they were both single.

Friends reveal that the Spurs footballer, who is in England’s squad for tonight’s friendly against Scotland, made a series of visits to Gina’s home in north London.

They revealed he would arrive under cover of darkness in luxury cars, including an Aston Martin, and spend several hours with wealthy Gina, who receives a £10,000-a-month allowance from her mum.

Defoe has a history of dating celebrity babes like Danielle O'Hara and Alexandra Burke

The smitten babe, who is one of the favourites to win Big Brother next week, was said to be “flattered” by the hunk’s secret attentions.

But she has been agonising over whether they would become an official item and go public with their romance.

Babe magnet Jermain has dated a string of celebrity babes, including model Danielle O’Hara, 29, The X Factor’s Alexandra Burke, 24, and Celebrity Big Brother champion Chantelle Houghton, 29.

Defoe was briefly linked with X Factor winner Alexandra Burke

“Gina likes the good things in life but when it comes to her taste in men she likes a bad boy and Jermain is definitely one of them.”

A close friend

He has a womanising reputation and most of his relationships have hit the skids after cheating claims.

A close friend revealed: “Gina likes the good things in life but when it comes to her taste in men she likes a bad boy and Jermain is definitely one of them.

“A lot of blokes find it quite intimidating being with a girl who has it all but Jermain isn’t fazed at all.

“He is one of the few people who can splash the cash as well as she does.

Big Brother is obviously one of Defoe's favourite shows as he also dated Celebrity Big Brother champion Chantelle Houghton

“Gina met him on a night in London and secretly exchanged phone numbers. She was so excited when he made contact.

“Gina is pretty smitten but realises he is a bit of a bad boy. However, it is clear he likes her and she hopes her stint in Big Brother might make him even keener.”

A spokesman for Jermain, who confirmed the player is currently single, said: “I cannot imagine this is something he would wish to comment on.”

The England ace also dated Danielle Lloyd, who is now married to former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara