Celebrity Big Brother is a reality television series that has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of celebrity culture and social experimentation. Originating in the United Kingdom, the franchise has expanded to various international versions, each adapting the core concept to fit local tastes and entertainment styles.
Celebrity Big Movies and TV Shows Table
| Celebrity | Notable Movies | Notable TV Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Cruise | Top Gun, Mission: Impossible series, Jerry Maguire, The Last Samurai | None (primarily a film actor) |
| Jennifer Aniston | Marley & Me, The Break-Up, Horrible Bosses, Murder Mystery | Friends, The Morning Show |
| Dwayne Johnson | Jumanji series, Fast & Furious series, Moana (voice), Black Adam | Billy Joel in Movies and TV ShowsView |
| Taylor Swift | Cats, The Lorax, The Giver, Amsterdam, Valentine’s Day | New Girl, CSI, Saturday Night Live |
| Leonardo DiCaprio | Titanic, Inception, The Revenant, The Wolf of Wall Street, Killers of the Flower Moon | None (primarily a film actor) |
| Zendaya | Dune series, The Greatest Showman, Spider-Man series | Euphoria, Shake It Up |
| Ryan Reynolds | Deadpool series, The Proposal, Free Guy, The Adam Project | Two Guys and a Girl |
| Millie Bobby Brown | Enola Holmes, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Damsel | Stranger Things |
| Will Smith | Men in Black series, Independence Day, King Richard | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Cobra Kai (guest) |
| Scarlett Johansson | Black Widow, Lucy, Marriage Story, Lost in Translation | Saturday Night Live (multiple appearances) |
| Pedro Pascal | Wonder Woman 1984, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent | The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, Game of Thrones |
| Sofia Vergara | Chef, Hot Pursuit, The Emoji Movie | Modern Family, Griselda |
| Timothée Chalamet | Dune, Wonka, Call Me by Your Name, Little Women | Saturday Night Live (host) |
| Emma Stone | La La Land, Cruella, Easy A, The Help | Maniac |
Origins and Evolution
The British version of Celebrity Big Brother first aired on March 9, 2001, on Channel 4 as a spin-off from the original Big Brother series. Its success led to subsequent seasons, with the show eventually moving to Channel 5 in 2011. After a hiatus, it returned on ITV in 2024.
United States
The American adaptation, known as Celebrity Big Brother U.S., premiered on CBS on February 7, 2018. Hosted by Julie Chen Moonves, the series has seen multiple seasons, featuring various celebrities competing in a house under constant surveillance.
Format and Gameplay
In both versions, celebrity contestants, referred to as “housemates” in the UK and “HouseGuests” in the U.S., live together in a specially designed house, isolated from the outside world. They participate in various challenges and must nominate each other for eviction, with the public voting to eliminate contestants. The last remaining housemate wins a cash prize and the title of Celebrity Big Brother champion
Notable Seasons and Contestants
- 2007 Controversy: The fifth series was marred by allegations of racism, leading to widespread criticism and a temporary suspension of the show.
- 2018 Finale: The final series on Channel 5 featured a diverse group of celebrities, including actors, musicians, and reality TV stars, culminating in a dramatic and emotional conclusion.
U.S. Highlights
- 2018 Inaugural Season: The first U.S. season featured a mix of actors, athletes, and reality stars, with Ross Mathews emerging as the winner.
- 2019 Season: The second season included notable personalities like Tamar Braxton, who won the season, and featured intense gameplay and alliances.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Celebrity Big Brother has significantly influenced reality television by blending traditional game show elements with celebrity culture. The series has sparked discussions on privacy, fame, and human behavior under pressure. While it has faced criticism for controversies and perceived exploitation, it has also been praised for its entertainment value and ability to adapt to changing media landscapes.
Spin-offs and Related Shows
The success of Celebrity Big Brother has led to several spin-offs and related programs:
- Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack (UK): A one-off series in 2008 where young people took control of the house, offering a fresh perspective on the format.
- Ultimate Big Brother (UK): A special series in 2010 featuring returning housemates from previous seasons.
- Celebrity Big Brother: After Dark (U.S.): A late-night companion show providing unfiltered footage from the house.
Recent Developments
In 2025, the UK version of Celebrity Big Brother saw a diverse cast of celebrities, including JoJo Siwa, Chris Hughes, and Danny Beard. JoJo Siwa emerged as a standout, earning praise for her maturity, kindness, and openness about her gender identity, positioning herself as a rising role model and potential entertainment figure in the UK
Show’s Legacy
“Celebrity Big Brother” is a reality television phenomenon that has captivated audiences worldwide. Originating in the United Kingdom, the show has expanded to various international versions, each bringing its unique flavor to the format. Below is an in-depth look at the show’s history, notable seasons, and its impact on pop culture.
Origins and Format
“Celebrity Big Brother” is a spin-off of the original “Big Brother” series, which first aired in the Netherlands in 1997. The celebrity version involves well-known personalities living together in a specially designed house, isolated from the outside world. They participate in weekly challenges and face public votes leading to evictions, with the last remaining housemate crowned the winner
UK Version A Storied Legacy
The UK edition premiered on March 9, 2001, on Channel 4. It featured celebrities from various fields, including entertainment, sports, and politics. The show gained significant attention for its mix of drama and humor, becoming a staple of British reality television
Channel 5 Era (2011–2018)
In 2011, Channel 5 took over the broadcasting of “Celebrity Big Brother.” This period saw an increase in international celebrities participating, such as American actor Gary Busey. The show maintained its popularity, airing two editions annually until its cancellation in 2018
Return on ITV (2024–Present)
After a hiatus, “Celebrity Big Brother” returned in March 2024 on ITV. Hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, the 24th series introduced new twists and a refreshed format, aiming to recapture the audience’s interest. The series continues to be narrated by Marcus Bentley, who has been with the show since its inception
U.S. Version Big Brother
The American version of “Celebrity Big Brother” debuted on CBS on February 7, 2018. Hosted by Julie Chen Moonves, the show featured celebrities competing in a condensed format compared to the regular “Big Brother” series. The U.S. edition aired three seasons, with notable contestants like Tamar Braxton and Ross Mathews.
Notable Seasons and Contestants
- Season 5 (2007): This series was particularly controversial due to the “Shilpa Shetty racism row,” which led to widespread criticism and discussions about racism and bullying.
- Season 20 (2017): Featured a diverse cast, including American actor Gary Busey, who became the first American celebrity to win the UK edition.
- Season 24 (2025): The latest series has seen contestants like JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes garnering attention for their dynamic personalities and interactions.
U.S. Highlights
- Season 1 (2018): Included celebrities such as Ross Mathews and Omarosa Manigault, with Ross Mathews becoming a fan favorite.
- Season 2 (2019): Tamar Braxton emerged as the winner, marking a significant moment in the show’s history
Winners and Impact
Over the years, “Celebrity Big Brother” has launched the careers of several contestants and reignited the public’s interest in others. Winners often gain increased media exposure, leading to opportunities in television, music, and other entertainment sectors. The show’s blend of celebrity culture and reality television has made it a significant part of pop culture.
Spin-offs and Related Shows
While “Celebrity Big Brother” primarily focuses on reality competition, its influence has led to various spin-offs and related shows, including:
- “Celebrity Big Brother: After Dark”: A companion show airing live footage from the house.
- “Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack”: A UK spin-off where celebrities took on the role of Big Brother for a day.
The Future of Celebrity Big Brother
With its recent revival on ITV, “Celebrity Big Brother” continues to evolve. The show’s future will likely involve more interactive elements, increased viewer participation, and possibly international crossover events. As long as it adapts to changing audience preferences, “Celebrity Big Brother” is poised to remain a fixture in reality television
Net Worth
The 2025 season of Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) has captivated audiences with its diverse lineup of celebrities from various entertainment sectors. While the show doesn’t offer a cash prize, contestants are generously compensated for their participation. This exposure often leads to increased brand deals and media opportunities, significantly boosting their financial profiles
Celebrity Big Brother 2025 Cast
The 2025 season features a mix of actors, reality stars, musicians, and public figures. Here’s a look at some of the notable housemates:
- JoJo Siwa: A multifaceted entertainer known for her music, dance, and merchandise empire.
- Patsy Palmer: Former EastEnders star who has ventured into wellness and DJing.
- Jack P. Shepherd: Longtime Coronation Street actor with a significant fan following.
- Mickey Rourke: Hollywood actor who has diversified into boxing and other ventures.
- Daley Thompson: Olympic legend and sports commentator.
- Chris Hughes: Reality TV star and media personality.
- Angellica Bell: TV presenter and journalist.
- Trisha Goddard: Talk show host with decades of experience.
- Chesney Hawkes: Pop star known for his hit single “The One and Only.”
- Michael Fabricant: Politician and media personality.
- Ella Rae Wise: Reality TV star and influencer.
- Donna Preston: Comedian and actress
- Danny Beard: Drag performer and entertainer
Celebrity Big Brother 2025 Cast
The 2025 season features a mix of actors, reality stars, musicians, and public figures. Here’s a look at some of the notable housemates:
- JoJo Siwa: A multifaceted entertainer known for her music, dance, and merchandise empire.
- Patsy Palmer: Former EastEnders star who has ventured into wellness and DJing
- Jack P. Shepherd: Longtime Coronation Street actor with a significant fan following.
- Mickey Rourke: Hollywood actor who has diversified into boxing and other ventures.
- Daley Thompson: Olympic legend and sports commentator.
- Chris Hughes: Reality TV star and media personality.
- Angellica Bell: TV presenter and journalist.
- Trisha Goddard: Talk show host with decades of experience.
- Chesney Hawkes: Pop star known for his hit single “The One and Only.”
- Michael Fabricant: Politician and media personality.
- Ella Rae Wise: Reality TV star and influencer.
- Donna Preston: Comedian and actress.
- Danny Beard: Drag performer and entertainer
Chris Hughes – £1.4 million
Love Island star with media engagements and endorsements.
Angellica Bell – £1 million
TV presenter and journalist.
Chesney Hawkes – £1 million
Pop star with a dedicated fan base.
Michael Fabricant – Over £5 million
Politician with a media presence.
Ella Rae Wise – Estimated at £100,000
Reality TV star and influencer.
Donna Preston – Estimated at £100,000
Comedian and actress.
Danny Beard – Estimated at £100,000
Drag performer and entertainer.
Celebrity Big Brother in Movies & TV Shows
While Celebrity Big Brother is primarily a reality TV show, many of its contestants have appeared in various films and television series:
- JoJo Siwa: Appeared in Dance Moms and has a significant presence on YouTube.
- Patsy Palmer: Known for her role in EastEnders.
- Mickey Rourke: Featured in films like The Wrestler and Iron Man 2.
- Daley Thompson: Appeared in sports documentaries and commentary roles.
- Chris Hughes: Participated in reality shows such as Love Island.
- Angellica Bell: Hosted various TV programs, including The One Show.
- Chesney Hawkes: Appeared in Chesney Hawkes: The One and Only.
Celebrity Big Brother 2025
Celebrity Big Brother 2025 brings together stars from music, TV, sports, and reality TV under one roof. Below is a detailed breakdown of each housemate’s career highlights and financial status.
Celebrity Big Brother 2025 Cast Info Table
| No. | Name | Known For | Movies & TV Shows | Estimated Net Worth (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JoJo Siwa | Singer, Dancer, YouTuber | Dance Moms, The J Team | £15.1 million |
| 2 | Patsy Palmer | Actress, DJ | EastEnders, Grange Hill | £9.3 million |
| 3 | Jack P. Shepherd | Soap Actor | Coronation Street | £6 million |
| 4 | Mickey Rourke | Actor, Boxer | The Wrestler, Sin City, Iron Man 2 | £3.8 million |
| 5 | Trisha Goddard | Talk Show Host | Trisha, Good Morning Britain | £7 million |
| 6 | Daley Thompson | Olympic Athlete | Documentaries, Sports Commentary | £3 million |
| 7 | Chris Hughes | Reality TV Star | Love Island, You vs. Chris & Kem | £1.4 million |
| 8 | Angellica Bell | TV Presenter | The One Show, Holiday Hits, CBBC | £1 million |
| 9 | Chesney Hawkes | Singer | The One and Only (Music), Reality Shows | £1 million |
| 10 | Michael Fabricant | Politician, Media Personality | Have I Got News for You, Parliament Shows | £5+ million |
| 11 | Ella Rae Wise | Reality TV Star, Influencer | The Only Way Is Essex | £100,000 |
| 12 | Donna Preston | Actress, Comedian | Hard Cell, The Hitmen, Inside No. 9 | £100,000 |
| 13 | Danny Beard | Drag Performer, Entertainer | RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Stage Performances | £100,000 |
Fun Fact Section
- Highest Net Worth: JoJo Siwa, thanks to her music, YouTube, and merchandise empire.
- Longest-running TV Role: Jack P. Shepherd (Coronation Street since 2000).
- Most Acclaimed Movie Actor: Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler earned him an Oscar nomination).
- Reality TV Veterans: Chris Hughes and Ella Rae Wise both rose to fame through reality shows.
Celebrity Big Brother UK Season 4
Season Overview:
- Aired: January 2006
- Host: Davina McCall
- Winner: Chantelle Houghton
- Runner-up: Michael Barrymore
- Finalists: Maggot, Preston, Pete Burns, Traci Bingham
The fourth series of Celebrity Big Brother introduced a unique twist by including Chantelle Houghton, a non-celebrity who successfully convinced housemates she was a member of a fictional girl band. Her victory marked a significant moment in reality TV history.
Cast Members, Their TV & Film Appearances, and Estimated Net Worth
Below is a table detailing each housemate’s notable television and film roles, along with their estimated net worths:
| Housemate | Notable TV/Film Roles | Estimated Net Worth (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Chantelle Houghton | Celebrity Big Brother 4 winner; Ultimate Big Brother contestant; Author | £500,000 |
| Michael Barrymore | Strike It Lucky, My Kind of People, Barrymore | £2 million |
| Maggot | Celebrity Big Brother 4 finalist; Member of Goldie Lookin’ Chain | £500,000 |
| Preston | Lead singer of The Ordinary Boys; Celebrity Big Brother 4 finalist | £1 million |
| Pete Burns | Lead singer of Dead or Alive; Celebrity Big Brother 4 finalist | £500,000 |
| Traci Bingham | Baywatch (Jordan Tate); The Surreal Life | £1 million |
| Dennis Rodman | NBA Hall of Famer; The Dennis Rodman Project | £10 million |
| George Galloway | Politician; Big Brother’s Little Brother guest | £1 million |
| Rula Lenska | Rock Follies, Coronation Street | £1.5 million |
| Faria Alam | Former Football Association secretary; Celebrity Big Brother 4 housemate | £1 million |
| Jodie Marsh | Glamour model; Jodie Marsh: Who’ll Take Her Up the Aisle? | £1 million |
Note: Net worth estimates are based on publicly available information and may not reflect current financial standings.
House & Production Details
- House Modifications: The house featured an indoor swimming pool and a private shower beside the toilet in the bedroom.
- Viewership: The series averaged 4.88 million viewers per episode, with a peak of 7.31 million viewers on a Friday night.
Season Highlights
- Chantelle Houghton’s Victory: Chantelle, a non-celebrity, won the series by convincing housemates she was a pop star.
- Controversial Moments: Pete Burns faced backlash over a fur coat made from endangered species, leading to police involvement.
- Diverse Cast: The season featured a mix of celebrities from various fields, including music, politics, and sports.
Celebrity Big Brother UK Season 4 (2006): Complete Guide to Housemates and Highlights
Air Date
January 5 – January 27, 2006
Location
Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire, UK
Davina McCall
What Made Season 4 Unique?
Celebrity Big Brother Season 4 is remembered for its groundbreaking twist — one of the housemates, Chantelle Houghton, was not a celebrity. Her secret mission was to convince everyone she was a star. Not only did she succeed, but she won the entire season, making history as the only non-celebrity to win Celebrity Big Brother.
Season Highlights
- Chantelle & Preston Romance: The relationship between Chantelle and Preston was a central storyline, and they later got married (briefly) after the show.
- Pete Burns’ Coat Controversy: Pete wore a coat believed to be made from gorilla fur, prompting a police investigation.
- George Galloway’s “Cat” Task: A surreal moment where Galloway imitated a cat for a task — now infamous in UK reality TV history.
- Dennis Rodman Drama: Clashed with other housemates and broke some house rules.
Legacy
- Chantelle Houghton became a reality star and returned for Ultimate Big Brother.
- Pete Burns‘s eccentric personality made him a CBB legend.
- The series is often cited as one of the most iconic seasons due to its unexpected winner and intense personalities.
Celebrity Big Brother 2006 (Season 4)
Aired: January 5 – January 27, 2006
Channel: Channel 4 (UK)
Presented by: Davina McCall
Winner: Chantelle Houghton
Celebrity Big Brother 2006 stands as one of the most iconic seasons in UK reality TV history — largely due to its unique twist: a non-celebrity housemate pretending to be famous. The show featured 11 contestants from the worlds of entertainment, music, sports, politics, and modeling.
Complete List of Celebrity Big Brother 2006 Contestants
Below are the 11 contestants, their claim to fame, and their role in the series:
Chantelle Houghton
- Profession before CBB: Promotions girl; unknown to the public.
- Why she was in the house: Entered as part of a twist pretending to be in a (fake) girl band called “Kandy Floss.”
- Outcome: Winner of the series.
- After the show: Became a celebrity, appeared on multiple reality shows, married fellow contestant Preston (briefly).
Michael Barrymore
- Profession: TV presenter and comedian.
- Known for: Hosting Strike It Lucky, Barrymore.
- Role in CBB: Attempted to repair public image; runner-up.
- Controversy: Entered the house amid lingering backlash from past scandals.
Maggot (Andrew Major)
- Profession: Rapper.
- Known for: Member of Welsh comedy rap group Goldie Lookin Chain.
- Personality: Funny, laid-back; third place finish.
Samuel Preston
- Profession: Musician.
- Known for: Lead singer of indie band The Ordinary Boys.
- Show Role: Developed a romance with Chantelle.
- Result: 4th place.
- Post-show: Married Chantelle after the show, but later divorced.
Pete Burns
- Profession: Singer.
- Famous for: 1980s hit “You Spin Me Round” with Dead or Alive.
- Known for: Strong opinions, flamboyant style, and controversy over his fur coat (allegedly gorilla skin, later tested and found to be colobus monkey).
- Result: 5th place.
- Legacy: One of the most talked-about housemates in CBB history.
Traci Bingham
- Profession: Actress.
- Known for: Playing Jordan Tate on Baywatch.
- House Role: Lively, flirtatious, and often at odds with other housemates.
- Final Standing: 6th place.
Dennis Rodman
- Profession: Former NBA star, actor, wrestler.
- Famous for: Playing for the Chicago Bulls; friendship with Kim Jong-un (years later).
- In the House: Clashed with housemates; nonchalant behavior.
- Result: Evicted mid-season.
George Galloway
- Profession: Politician (Respect Party MP).
- Known for: Outspoken views and controversial speeches.
- CBB Moment: Famously mimicked a cat drinking milk from Rula Lenska’s hand.
- Reaction: Severely criticized; hurt political career.
Rula Lenska
- Profession: Actress.
- Known for: Roles in Rock Follies, Coronation Street, and various stage productions.
- CBB Role: Calm, wise presence; participated in infamous “cat” scene with Galloway.
- Result: Evicted after two weeks.
Key Moments from Celebrity Big Brother 2006
- Chantelle’s Secret Task: Had to convince the house she was a pop star — and succeeded brilliantly.
- Chantelle & Preston Romance: A major storyline that continued after the show.
- Pete Burns’ Fur Coat Scandal: Generated real-world police involvement.
- George Galloway’s Role-Play: Widely mocked by media and voters.
- Diverse Cast: The show mixed musicians, athletes, politicians, and even a non-celebrity, which became a defining format twist.
Cultural Impact
- Viewership: Peaked at over 7 million viewers.
- Legacy: Often ranked among the top 3 CBB seasons of all time.
- Influence: Set a precedent for mixing celebs with outsiders and pushing bold casting choices.
Origins of Celebrity Big Brother
Celebrity Big Brother first aired in the United Kingdom in 2001. The show is part of the Big Brother franchise, originally created by John de Mol and popularized in various countries, including the United States, Australia, and many European nations.
While the original Big Brother format involves ordinary people living in a house, Celebrity Big Brother introduces famous individuals into the equation. This twist provides a new layer of intrigue as the celebrities often have a different dynamic compared to everyday contestants, and their fame adds a new layer of tension and competition.
Celebrity Big Brother in the UK
In the UK, Celebrity Big Brother has become an annual or semi-annual event. The first season included famous British personalities like Chantelle Houghton, a model and singer, who ended up winning the show despite being the only non-celebrity in the group. This added an interesting layer of drama to the show, as viewers debated whether a “real” celebrity would win.
The show continued to garner attention with each season, bringing in a variety of celebrities ranging from actors and musicians to reality TV stars and sports figures. Some notable moments from past UK seasons include:
- Jade Goody’s Controversial Moment (2007): In this season, Jade Goody, a former contestant from the original Big Brother, faced public backlash for her racially insensitive comments towards fellow housemate Shilpa Shetty. This sparked a nationwide conversation about racism, making it one of the most memorable seasons of Celebrity Big Brother in the UK.
Celebrity Big Brother Movies and Spin-offs
While the primary focus of Celebrity Big Brother has always been the TV show, there have been occasional movies or media spin-offs based on the brand. However, there have been no major theatrical releases. Instead, the show has inspired international adaptations, online spin-offs, and celebrity-related media.
One notable spin-off was the creation of Celebrity Big Brother: Live Feeds, which allowed fans to pay for access to live, unedited footage from the house. This provided a more “raw” experience for fans who wanted to see everything happening, even when the cameras weren’t filming for the regular TV episodes.
Conclusion
Celebrity Big Brother remains one of the most enduring and influential reality television shows. Whether in the UK or the U.S., it has consistently captivated viewers with its unique blend of celebrity drama, competition, and unexpected moments. The show has provided a platform for celebrities to show a different side of themselves and for the audience to engage in the personalities and controversies surrounding them.
Despite the ups and downs, Celebrity Big Brother has carved out a significant place in the reality TV landscape. It may not be as universally beloved as some other reality formats, but its longevity and ability to spark conversation make it an essential part of the genre. The show will likely continue to evolve, but for now, its legacy remains intact as one of the most exciting and unpredictable forms.