The latest series of Celebrity Big Brother has launched, with a host of new housemates introduced to viewers ahead of them spending three weeks in the house. The line-up includes soap stars, presenters, actors and an athlete.
This year’s instalment has already seen several changes, one of which is a change in location. The Big Brother house has been moved to a “brand-new secret location” and it was previously teased that will host “a new batch of VIPs”.
The iconic show was revived by ITV in 2023, with the celebrity edition shortly following in 2024. Last year featured a star-studded line-up which included the likes of Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Colson Smith and several other notable names. It was David Potts who was crowned winner though after a series full of celeb gossip and drama.
Ahead of the second series launching tonight, there were plenty of rumours about who could be housemates. The likes of Olympic gold medalists, reality TV stars and WAGs were thrown into the mix. Whilst hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best had teased who to expect in the house after learning the full line-up.
Now that the new series has launched, here’s a look at the housemates taking part. They are set to live together in the Big Brother house ahead of one housemate being crowned the winner in the final in a few weeks.
Chesney Hawkes – famous for his huge singalong hit The One and Only – was the first housemate to be announced in the live launch show tonight. The 53-year-old shot to Number One in the UK singles chart when his debut single was released in 1991, where it spent five weeks in the top spot.
Speaking to AJ and Will before entering the house, Chesney teased that it was already proving to be a “crazy” experience compared to having performed on various stages in his career: “This is pretty crazy, actually, I’ve got to say.”
Ahead of his stint as a housemate, Chesney has described himself as “quite an easygoing guy”. He however suggested that he could still “surprise” himself with how he reacts to situations amid the “completely bonkers environment”.
He’s said: “Strengths-wise, I think I’m a good listener; I could be a shoulder to cry on and someone to confide in. And as far as what I think might annoy me – I guess we’ll figure that out as we go. But off the top of my head – people that don’t pick up after themselves and don’t pull their weight.”
Though people of all ages know his instantly recognisable song , which is often sung on karaoke, Chesney became a bit of a one hit wonder despite releasing more music. But the pop icon is set for a career comeback and is reportedly hoping appearing on a huge show like Celebrity Big Brother will help him do that.
Former reality TV star JoJo Siwa was the second housemate to enter the house. The singer teased in her introduction that fans will get to see a different side to her in the house, rather than the public persona she has displayed. She added that people may find her “annoying” initially but then discover she’s “funny”.
Sharing her thoughts, the 21-year-old said: “I’d say my strengths are making people laugh and smile and have a good time – that’s my forte. I think I’ll be easy to get along with – I’m a fairly easy person to get along with. I’m an easy person to converse with – even if somebody’s the complete opposite to me.”
Asked what she is likely to get nominated for, JoJo said ahead of the new series: “You know what I’ll get nominated for – being too much of a rule follower. Because if someone breaks the rules I’ll get annoyed, and I know people break the rules. Guaranteed I will not break one rule the whole time.”
JoJo, shortened from Joelle Joanie, is an American singer, dancer, actress and social media personality. She rose to prominence on the fourth season of Lifetime Network’s competition show Dance Moms in 2015. She then went on to star on a number of Nickelodeon shows, including JoJo Siwa: My World, The J Team and The JoJo & BowWow Show Show.
TV host Trisha Goddard was the third housemate unveiled in the launch. The 67-year-old teased in her introduction that she doesn’t want to be the “mummy” of the house and spoke about having been diagnosed with cancer.
Speaking tjust moments before entering the house, she teased: “I’m wondering what I signed up for?” Trisha – who admitted she was “nervous” – went on to discuss her motivation for signing up and told the crowd: “We cannot be so scared of dying that we become scared of living.”
Teasing what to expect from her as a contestant, she’s said: “I hope I’m an easy housemate to get on with. My strengths are my sense of humor and not sweating the small stuff.” Asked what she would get nominated for, she said: “I don’t know – my kids would have to tell you the answer to that. If I had to answer anything, it’s being a busy body probably.”
Last year, Trisha revealed she’d been diagnosed with cancer again after having first being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Appearing on Good Morning Britain at the time, when asked why she decided not to tell everyone, she replied: “I was grappling with how to deal with it myself. Plus, I just wanted to work and be me. With CNN and my colleagues there, they didn’t know that I had no hair, that I had no feeling in my legs.”
Chris Hughes, who gained fame on the 2017 series of Love Island, was the fourth housemate unveiled for the new series following reports that he had signed up to appear. He said: “I really don’t know how I feel. It’s actually mad.”
Whilst speaking to AJ and Will, the 32-year-old shared his hope that he will make his mum proud with his appearance on the show. “That’s the maddest thing ever,” he added as he finally entered the Big Brother house as the fourth housemate.
Asked why he could get nominated, he’s teased: “Hopefully not [for] loads of things. I don’t think I have too many to be honest. But I’d like to say it won’t be a ‘Oh, Chris doesn’t pull his weight’. Because I’ll be very hands on. I’m enjoying cooking at the minute, so I’ll try and be on hand and help whoever’s in the kitchen and doing different bits and bobs. I actually don’t know what my weaknesses are when it comes to living with people. Maybe I’m a little bit messy at times but I’ll try my best to be as neat and tidy as I can.”
It was previously reported that producers are excited to feature Chris, who has successfully transitioned into a TV sports correspondent. They also predict that his massive social media following will attract a younger audience to the show.
During his time in the Love Island villa, he formed a connection with Olivia Attwood and they finished in third place. Their relationship continued off-screen, leading to a brief reality series titled Chris and Olivia: Crackin’ On. Following their split, he pursued various ventures, including a music career with co-star Kem Cetinay in the duo Chris & Kem, and later transitioned into his current role as a sports presenter.
Patsy Palmer was the fifth housemate announced. The 52-year-old actress is best known for playing Bianca Jackson on BBC soap EastEnders – a role that she has held down since 1993. But the star has been known to dip her toe into the world of reality and factual entertainment – thrilling fans when she took part in the first season of The Masked Singer.
“I love anything spiritual. I pray a lot. I like meditating,” she explained in her introductory video for Celebrity Big Brother as she gave viewers an insight into her life. The actor – who lives in Malibu – was asked by hosts AJ and Will if she will bring EastEnd drama or California zen to the house, with her replying: “California zen, I hope.”
Commenting on what she may be like as a housemate, Patsy has teased: “One thing I really pride myself in is being someone who tries to find solutions instead of problems. It’s a much more positive approach and has worked well for me in the past.”
Michael Fabricant was the sixth celebrity to enter the Big Brother house for the new series. The former Conservative MP teased in his introduction video that his hair has “become a bit of a hot topic” and assured that it is “his own”.
Asked why he may be nominated, 74-year-old Michael has said: “Either I’m talking too much or I’m not talking enough, who knows what people find annoying about others? I like singing out loudly to myself, but my impersonation of Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music is not to everyone’s taste.
“But one thing I’m well aware of is that we have to nominate someone. So it could be they don’t like people with blonde hair – it could be anything, who knows? I think I’ll find it difficult to nominate people. I’m hoping for the best.”
It was previously reported that he had ‘been offered a six-figure deal’ to enter the house. Michael served as MP for Lichfield in Staffordshire from 1992 until 2024. He also worked as vice-Chairman under former Prime Minister, David Cameron. It won’t be the star’s first stint on reality TV, having starred in Celebrity First Dates for Stand Up To Cancer in 2017.
Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd – who is best known for his role as Gail Platt’s son David Platt – was the seventh housemate to be unveiled in the launch episode. He revealed that he has been a “huge fan” of Big Brother.
The 37-year-old suggested in his introduction VT that his jokes may be a “bit too much” for some people and predicted that he will be up for eviction during the first week. He told AJ and Will that he expects the experience to be fun though.
Asked what will annoy him in the house, he said: “I think if someone’s just trying to be loud to try and ‘point the camera at me please, I need airtime’ – maybe that might annoy me.” Jack further teased: “Also, if you’re having a conversation and someone just comes and randomly joins in.”
It comes following speculation that Jack would be taking part in the reality series. Last series, fellow Corrie star Colson Smith entertained fans in the Big Brother house, which seems to have proved inspiration for Jack.
The Only Way is Essex star Ella Rae Wise was the eighth housemate to enter the house tonight. Ella – who said that she’s “opinionated” among the cast of the ITVBe show – teased in her introduction VT that she’s a “terribly flirt”.
The 24-year-old told AJ and Will that she felt “sick” ahead of entering the Big Brother house. Asked if she will cause drama in there, she said: “I want to show a different side of me.” She then expressed hope that she can instead “diffuse” any tension.
The reality TV star has said: “I think, to be honest, it takes a lot for me to crack. I’m quite laid back and relaxed – I’m quite easy going. I don’t feel that a lot annoys me. But if I really have to think about it probably maybe having to constantly pick up after someone.
She continued: “I’m quite a clean person at home – if my friends come over for dinner, they know they take their plate out to the sink. I’m not really a fan of washing up either, so hopefully someone else takes that job over.”
It was previously teased that she could spill the dirt on her on-off romance with Dancing On Ice and TOWIE star Dan Edgar whilst in the iconic house. CBB producers were reportedly keen to land Ella – who once dated Pete Wicks – as one of the latest batch of housemates, and are hoping she might reveal all on some of her other famous exes.
Double Olympic gold winner Daley Thompson, 66, became the ninth housemate to enter the Big Brother house during the launch episode. The athlete said that winning the show would be “right up there” with his past achievements.
Sharing what he expects, he said during the launch: “I think it’s gonna be really, really good”. He teased that the show is an opportunity to take some time away from work and to “mix with some people that you’ve never met”.
Daley has predicted: “I think I will get on really well with all the other housemates but I think the thing I will find annoying is loud snoring and people staying up late and keeping me awake.” Asked if he will be an easy housemate to get on with, he said: “I do think I will be a very easy housemate to get along with. My washing up skills will be a real strength!”
It was previously reported that he would be heading to the Big Brother house for the new series. As previously reported, the former athlete is regarded by many as the best ever British all-rounder and has proved to be a controversial figure during his competitive days and sources suggest it’s a reason bosses have targeted him for a spot in the house.
Actor and comedian Donna Preston was the tenth housemate to be unveiled as part of the line-up. Moments before entering the house, she told AJ and Will: “It’s a lot!” And asked what might annoy her, she said people “being rude”.
Asked what will annoy her, Donna said: “If anyone’s rude – that’ll grate on me. Loud eaters too – I just don’t understand it. I have misophonia so any unnecessary noises just mess with my head. And nail biting. But if I find that something is getting to me, I’ll move myself away from the situation. Everyone’s got their habits, I understand that. I’ll just spend my time in the bath.”
The 38-year-old is best known for her appearances on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and Netflix’s The Sandman. She also had a small stint on Coronation Street back in 2018 where she played Abi Franklin’s friend, Den. Last year, Donna made her Celebrity Gogglebox debut alongside comedian and Strictly star Chris McCausland.
An insider previously told The Sun: “Donna is one of the funniest stars around and will be a huge asset to the house. She’s worked with ITV on a number of occasions, so they know exactly what she will bring to the table. She’s also a huge fan of Big Brother and regularly appeared on Late and Live last year.”
Presenter Angellica Bell was the eleventh housemate to enter the Big Brother house this year. “This is gonna be the best holiday of my life,” she teased in her introduction VT. Angellica said that she is “honoured” to be involved.
Asked if she will be an easy housemate to get along with, 49-year-old Angellica said: “Listen, drama isn’t my thing but I’ve not been locked up before! I think my positivity is a strength – the glass is always half full. That’s one of my mantras. We’ve all had adversity in our lives and it’s one way to deal with obstacles that come our way.
“I’m good at listening to people too. I’ve grown as a person because of my job. I’ve met all sorts of people with different backgrounds – listening to them, listening to their experiences. It’s easy to judge people but until you know their story you can’t make informed decisions about them. I’m also organised and tidy. I don’t like mess. I do a lot of cooking – I think a well-fed house is a happy house. Let’s hope we win the shopping tasks!”
Having been on TV for over two decades, Angellica is no stranger to the cameras. Competition shows may also be her strong suit as Angellica won Celebrity Masterchef back in 2017. Angellica started her TV career in 2000, where she presented on CBBC for six years. She later moved on to present several day-time shows, including, the One Show and The Martin Lewis Money Show.
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RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard – whose real name is Daniel Curtis – was the twelfth housemate to be named as part of the line-up. Speaking to AJ and Will, the 32-year-old expressed nerves over the prospect of living in the Big Brother house without the “armour” of their drag.
Teasing what to expect from their stint, Danny has said: “I think I’m really easy going. I think I’m quite level-headed these days. I’m someone who feels other people’s emotions quite a lot – I’m very empathetic. I think I’d find it hard if somebody’s really struggling and it’s because of somebody else. I’d find that hard. But other than that, it’s not my gaff so I can’t really be bothered if people have got their feet on the sofa type of thing.”
It comes following reports that Danny had signed up. The drag artist has previously been on several ITV shows, including having competed on both Britain’s Got Talent and Karaoke Club: Drag Edition.
Danny – who won the fourth series of RPDR UK, which aired in 2022 – appeared on companion show Late & Live last year. They made headlines after swearing on the ITV2 show last March whilst doing an impression of housemate Louis Walsh.
The incident saw guest Danny say the word “c***” before immediately apologising after being informed that they weren’t allowed to say that on Late & Live. Hosts AJ and Will also apologised to viewers over the situation.
Big Brother is known for involving international celebs in to their experiment and this year is no different. American actor Mickey Rourke was the thirteenth and final housemate to enter the house during the launch episode tonight. Mickey said in his VT that he has an appreciation for the UK. He told hosts AJ and Will that he hadn’t thought about winning.
Mickey has said that he’s not seen the show before, sharing: “I have no expectations. I’ve never seen it. I’m just going to go in, do my thing, and we’ll see.” And asked what will annoy him in the house, Mickey has said: “I do not like people who are disrespectful. Respect is earned. I will earn it. If they don’t, they will know about it.”
Mickey has starred in several blockbuster films including The Wrestler, Sin City and Iron Man 2. Fans may also remember Mickey from his boxing days. The 72-year-old took up professional boxing from 1964 to 1973, with an impressive win score of 27 and only three defeats. The star has had to be incredibly competitive throughout his career, and a CBB stint might be just what helps him tap back into that.
Celebrity Big Brother continues tomorrow from 9pm on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player. It will be followed by companion show Late & Live on ITV2 and ITVX from 10pm.
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