After launching its first civilian series on ITV last year, Big Brother is set to return with a fresh series this Sunday.
The beloved show has introduced us to a host of memorable housemates over the years, many of whom have become Big Brother legends.
Several of these iconic housemates have seen their careers soar after exiting Britain’s most renowned house, establishing themselves in the entertainment industry.
As we eagerly await the start of the new series, let’s reflect on some of the housemates who became instant celebrities.
From Alison Hammond to Josie Gibson, the show truly serves as a springboard for success.
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Brian Dowling won the show twice (Image: Instagram)
Brian Dowling
Brian Dowling clinched victory in the second series of Big Brother in 2001, before making a triumphant return for Ultimate Big Brother in 2010 and securing a second win.
When the show made its comeback on Channel 5, Brian took up the mantle as host, presenting two series of Big Brother and four seasons of Celebrity Big Brother before being succeeded by Emma Willis.
Currently, Brian hosts his own podcast, Death Becomes Him, and presides over the reunion for The Real Housewives of Cheshire.
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Kate Lawler was the first female winner (Image: Getty)
Kate Lawler
Kate Lawler made history as the first female winner of Big Brother when she triumphed in the third series in 2002.
Since her departure from the show, she has forged a successful career as a radio presenter on stations such as Capital FM and Virgin Radio.
Kate and her spouse Boj were blessed with their daughter Noa in 2021, and she’s a Sunday Times Bestseller due to the launch of her book Maybe Baby: On The Mother Side.
Nikki Grahame
Nikki Grahame participated in the seventh series and finished in fifth place after a public vote allowed a previously evicted housemate to return.
Post the show, she secured her own reality series Princess Nikki and bagged a National Television Award for Most Popular TV Contender.
In 2010, she was a runner-up on Ultimate Big Brother and in 2016, she was a contestant on Big Brother Canada, finishing in sixth place.
The legendary housemate tragically passed away from complications related to anorexia nervosa in 2021, at the tender age of 38.
No leadtext (Image: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images)
Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond took part in the third series of the show and despite being evicted early in the series, she’s now a well-known figure in the television industry.
After becoming a roving reporter on This Morning, Alison is now a regular host of the show on Fridays alongside Dermot O’Leary.
She’s participated in several television shows including I’m A Celebrity, , Celebrity Masterchef and Celebs Go Dating.
Alison is currently the host of The Great British Bake Off and Alison Hammond: For The Love of Dogs.
Josie Gibson
Josie Gibson featured on the final series of Big Brother on Channel 4 in 2010 and emerged as the winner of the entire show.
After making brief appearances on This Morning, Josie has now become a regular host, presenting the show alongside Craig Doyle during school holidays.
Having participated in The Jump and Cooking With The Stars, Josie featured on I’m A Celebrity in 2023, just falling short of securing a spot in the final.