Former Big Brother contestant Alex De Gale, who was booted off the television show for threatening contestants, was today accused of brandishing a knife at three women who mocked her.

Miss De Gale, 24, was so incensed over jibes from the passersby she went into her house in Allen Road, Croydon, and came out with a six-inch blade, a jury at Croydon Crown Court was told.

Sarah Lindop, for the prosecution, told the court Miss De Gale had been a contestant on the hit TV show.

She told the jury how on August 23, 2008, June Maginnis, Joanne Hillier and Raynor Nash spotted Miss De Gale in Allen Road and said hello.

Prosecution witness Miss Hillier described how Miss Maginnis, her partner of three years, said: “Back in your house now Alex” and made “pow pow pow” hand gestures – a reference to the comments which got her kicked off the Channel 4 show.

She added: “I laughed but in seconds it all turned horrible.”

The jury heard how Miss De Gale crossed the road and began “effing and blinding” at the three women.

It is claimed Miss De Gale shouted: “Who are you?”

Miss Maginnis replied: “I’m me. Who are you? I was not on Big Brother and I am not famous.”

The court heard how Miss De Gale then shouted “wait to see what I’ve got” before going into her house and emerging with a kitchen knife.

Miss Hillier told the court how Miss De Gale was holding the knife by her side before Miss Hillier pushed her over.

She added: “I thought June [Miss Maginnis] was going to get stabbed.”

The women then got into their car and left the scene as Miss De Gale made her way home, the court heard.

Paranijit Ahluwalia, speaking for the defence, told the court Miss De Gale had called the police after Miss Hillier had stolen her phone.

She put it to Miss Hillier that the three women got involved in an argument and Miss Hillier had hit Miss De Gale.

She told the court the three women then entered Miss De Gale’s home and assaulted her while trying to get her phone off her as she was trying to call the police.

The judge warned the jury, made up of 10 women and two men, to avoid watching previous episodes of Big Brother.

Miss De Gale, of Allen Road, Croydon, denies one count of carrying an offensive weapon in a public place.

The trial continues.