Last night saw the launch of Celebrity Big Brother 2013, watched by over 4 million viewers - the most the show has raked in during its time with Channel 5. With the line-up now revealed, we take a look at the famous celebrities, sportsmen and reality stars that are set to bring unparalleled drama and amusement to our TV screens in the next coming week.
Rylan Clark
At just aged 24, Rylan is best known for adding the comedy factor with his flamboyant performances and digs at Gary Barlow in the most recent series of X Factor. After surviving a staggering 8 weeks and reaching the quarter finals, he was eventually booted out despite his incredibly popular personality. Sure to be a hit in the house, Rylan is already backed as the favourite to succeed as the winner of this year’s show.
Frankie Dettori MBE
Horse racing legend Frankie Dettori has won over 3,000 races in his career, including 14 British Classics and 7 wins on a single day at Ascot. The 41 year old has been cloaked in controversy in recent times, as he serves a 6 month ban from the sport for failing a drugs test. With a fun and upbeat personality as well as a great deal of stories to reveal, ‘Funtime Frankie’ is sure to be a hit in the house this year.
Tricia Penrose
Actress Tricia Penrose comes into the CBB house aged 42, married to TV presenter Mark Simpkin with 2 children. Starring in Heartbeat for 17 years until the show ended in 2010, she has gone on to appear in The Royal, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Celebrity Masterchef, as well being a contestant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. With a reputation as a bit of a party animal, Tricia is sure to provide us with some much-needed entertainment over the next few weeks!
Paula Hamilton
Set to add some vintage glitz and glam to the house is model Paula Hamilton. At aged 51, Paula has starred in various adverts as well as modelling for massive brands including Revlon, Clinique and Gap. Accompanied by her coconut named Boris, Paula’s past experiences which include dating Simon Cowell, suffering from alcohol and drug addictions and failed engagements and marriages are sure to make her a popular character in the house.
Gillian Taylforth
After spending a 15 year stint in BBC soap Eastenders, Gillian Taylforth gave up her role as Kathy Beale in 1998 and headed for pastures new. She has since appeared in Casualty, The Bill and Footballers Wives, whilst also competing in Strictly Come Dancing in 2008. At the age of 57 and a self-proclaimed romantic, will Gillian be the contestant to add a little heat to the house?
Sam Robertson
Could Sam be the man to ease Gillian’s relationship woes? A recent interview would suggest as much. Stating that most guys his age fancy the older woman, his Scottish charm and dashing good looks are sure to make him a hit with the ladies. At the age of 27, Sam’s career has gone from strength to strength since first appearing in Coronation Street as Adam Barlow, and with his tartan kilt at the ready, he will undoubtedly be a fan favourite this year.
Neil Ruddock
Former famous football hard-man Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock joins the house, aged 44, after playing football for major teams including Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Southampton. Enjoying TV success after retirement, Neil landed roles on A Question Of Sport and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! His bad boy reputation and lovable personality will no doubt spark some memorable moments in the house this year.
Claire Richards
Claire is best known for her role in pop group Steps who achieved huge success throughout the 90’s. Since the group split in 2001, some have claimed her career has become a bit of a ‘tragedy’, after getting heavily criticised for her weight gain and later releasing her own fitness DVD before becoming a proud mum of 2 children to husband Reece. With a controversial relationship history and a rocky career since the split of Steps, 35 year old Claire will definitely be a celebrity to watch in the coming weeks.
Heidi Montag
US reality TV star Heidi joins CBB with her husband Spencer, were both stars of hit show The Hills. Famously known for undergoing a staggering 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day for a magazine cover, 26 year old Heidi’s idea of perfection could easily cause a ruckus within the house. The couple, often referred to as ‘Speidi’ have also appeared on the US version of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here before quitting after 4 short days, let’s hope they stick around a little longer this time!
Spencer Pratt
The other half of the ‘Speidi’ combination, Spencer is the long term beau of Heidi since 2008, despite having a notoriously rocky relationship due to his apparently fiery temper. Heidi even went as far as to file for divorce in 2009 from the 29 year old star, before the couple settled their differences later in 2010. Named as top villain of reality TV in America’s TV Guide, Spencer’s controversial opinions will definitely ruffle a few feathers in the house this year.
Ryan Moloney
33 year old Ryan Moloney is best known for his 17 year stint in hit Australian soap from 1995, Neighbours as character Jarrod ‘Toadfish’ Rebecchi. Although on screen he may have been widowed, abandoned at the alter and lost his beloved pony tail to the heartless scissors of Lou Carpenter, Ryan has been married since 2003 and has 2 children. His lovable personality Australian accent has big potential to win the hearts of viewers and give him a good shot at the CBB crown.
Lacey Banghard
Lacey’s impressive career as a model has seen her release 2 calendars and become a popular page 3 personality at the age of 20. Currently single and on the market, Lacey is sure to attract some attention from the gentlemen in the house – although they should be warned, she’s prefers a man’s man to win her affections. Renowned for her sweet persona and attractive physique, Lacey will no doubt attract a great deal of attention during her time in the house. There you go! A review of some of the personalities we are sure to become familiar with in the coming weeks. Who’s your winner? Have your say below… Image source: www.channel5.com/shows/celebrity-big-brother