Fans of reality television, rejoice! Big Brother has returned.
The hit series will return to ITV2 and ITVX screens this fall, with new hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best.
Big Brother has witnessed an abundance of famous TV moments since it originally broadcast more than 20 years ago, cementing it as a cornerstone of British society.
It has generated a lot of stars who are still on our televisions today, such as This Morning anchor Alison Hammond and radio host Kate Lawler.
With the announcement that Big Brother is returning, many fans are thinking back to where it all began with the first series.
But when was the first season released, and who was in the cast? Here’s what you should know.
Who was in the first season of Big Brother and when did it air?
Big Brother debuted in the Netherlands in 1999, founded by John de Mol Jr, and was based on the notion of ‘housemates’ living under one roof and nominating others to be evicted on a regular basis.
Following its success, UK and US versions of the programme were announced, with the popular UK edition of Big Brother premiering on Channel Four on July 18, 2000.
A record 40,000 applicants sought to participate on the first season of the reality TV programme, which was reduced to only ten candidates.
Full list of Big Brother season one contestants
- Nick Bateman
- Andrew Davidson
- Melanie Hill
- Nichola Holt
- Thomas McDermott
- Anna Nolan
- Caroline O’Shea
- Craig Phillips
- Darren Ramsay
- Sada Wilkington
Big Brother sparked criticism almost immediately after its debut owing to the use of professional psychologists to examine competitors’ actions.
Not to mention the raucous brawls and heartbreaking dialogues between the characters on television.
Craig Phillips was voted the champion of the inaugural season, which lasted 64 days. Craig now operates his own YouTube channel, Mr and Mrs DIY TV, with his wife Laura, after becoming a household figure overnight.
Following the success of the first season, a second season was ordered, and the show went on to run for 12 seasons, spawning a number of spin-off shows.
It has had a variety of hosts, including Davina McCall during its first run, followed by previous winner Brian Dowling and Emma Willis when it relocated to Channel Five.
When asked about the show’s return to television, Davina expressed her enthusiasm about what fresh seasons would bring.
‘I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do with it. If they go back to real basics and don’t try and do anything too different, which is what I think they’re going to do, I’m going to really enjoy it,’ she told The Mirror.
Source My Celebrity Life.
