By Dan Evans

THERE'S one thing gobby housemate Charley Uchea HAS managed to keep quiet about...her dad is a convicted robber!

We can reveal Nigerian-born Steve Uchea was locked up for EIGHT YEARS for his involvement in a raid in London.

But despite his gang being caught, the cops NEVER recovered the stolen money.

A source close to former lapdancer Charley told us: "This is one secret the family prayed would never come out.

"Steve was caught doing the crime and had to serve his time. It happened when she was a toddler but still affected her deeply."

The robbery took place in Greenwich back in 1987 when Charley's mum Teresa and Steve were still together.

Shadow

He now runs a clothes shop in Swiss Cottage, London, having shunned his life of crime.

The source added: "There will always be a shadow over the whole thing because the police couldn't find the stolen money and the gang remained tight-lipped.

"There will be a few retired coppers out there who will still want to know where the loot ended up.

"Charley only really got to know her dad during her teenage years. She loved the fact he had his own shop and would brag to friends that she could get loads of clothes for free."

Steve's jail shame was one of many difficulties loudmouth Charley, 22, faced growing up in a gritty part of New Cross, south-east London.

"She was expelled from school at 14," explained the source. "After that, she became harder and harder to reach out to.

"She wasn't interested in an education and felt more at home hanging out with mates, loitering around shopping centres."

However, the success of Charley's cousin—former Manchester United footballer Kieran Richardson, 22— gave her some of the kudos she so desperately craved. But the partygirl struggled to control her explosive temper and earlier this year was quizzed by police after a fight at Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant's 24th birthday bash.

She was accused of taunting BB6 contestant Saskia Howard-Clarke and throwing a glass.

The source added: "Charley has always used attack as a form of defence.

"She's a classic bully because she's incredibly insecure beneath that hard exterior."

The curvy trouble-maker has been behind most of this year's Big Brother bitching bouts.

The source went on: "You might not guess it from the way she alienates people in that house, but her big fear is rejection.

"Charley doesn't know how to play fair. She won't ever stop making mincemeat out of nice girls like Chanelle in the House."

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