Celebrity Big Brother has returned for its 24th series in 2025, creating a buzz among fans eagerly anticipating the star-studded cast entering the iconic house. The show began airing on ITV1 on Monday, April 7, promising a mix of drama, unexpected alliances, and startling revelations. Hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, the program has once again assembled a diverse group of celebrities, ranging from Hollywood heavyweights to reality TV veterans. The live launch took place on April 10, 2025, unveiling the complete lineup and ending months of speculation. This article offers a detailed overview of each housemate, shedding light on the rumors that stirred anticipation. Whether you’re a devoted follower or a curious newcomer, here’s the scoop on this year’s Celebrity Big Brother contestants.
One of the captivating aspects of Celebrity Big Brother is its talent for uniting individuals from vastly different backgrounds, resulting in a social experiment that is both unpredictable and entertaining. The current cast continues this tradition, featuring a mix of seasoned performers, controversial personalities, and up-and-coming talents. From engaging in secret tasks to sharing their innermost thoughts in the diary room, these housemates are poised to deliver unforgettable moments that will dominate discussions around water coolers. As the show gains momentum, viewers are already choosing their favorites and speculating about potential conflicts. So, who has entered the Big Brother house this season, and how accurate were the rumors leading up to the reveal?
Who’s in the Celebrity Big Brother 2025 Cast?
The 2025 cast has been officially introduced, sparking conversations across the fandom. Thirteen celebrities made their grand entrance during the live launch, each bringing their own unique qualities to the house dynamics. Below is a rundown of all the housemates, highlighting what sets them apart and adds to the intrigue of this season.
- Chesney Hawkes: The singer-songwriter kicked things off as the first to enter, famous for his 1991 hit “The One and Only.” Now 53, he’s ready to show a cheeky side and learn more about himself.
- JoJo Siwa: The American pop star and Dance Moms alum, 21, brings a massive online following and her vibrant LGBTQ+ advocacy to the mix.
- Trisha Goddard: The 67-year-old talk show legend, battling stage-four breast cancer, aims to inspire with her resilience and warmth.
- Chris Hughes: Known from Love Island 2017, this 32-year-old sports presenter is eager for the unknown of the Big Brother experience.
- Patsy Palmer: The EastEnders icon, 52, returns to UK screens as Bianca Jackson’s real-life counterpart, promising team spirit.
- Sir Michael Fabricant: The former Tory MP, 74, brings political flair and a bold personality after losing his seat.
- Jack P. Shepherd: Coronation Street’s David Platt, 37, swaps the cobbles for the house, banking on his humor.
- Ella Rae Wise: The 24-year-old TOWIE star aims to diffuse drama and connect with new faces.
- Daley Thompson: The 66-year-old Olympic decathlon champ is set to stir things up with his provocative views.
- Donna Preston: The 38-year-old comedian and actress from Hey Tracey! adds fun and familiarity with the Big Brother setup.
- Angellica Bell: The 49-year-old TV presenter, a Celebrity MasterChef winner, shifts from CBBC to CBB.
- Danny Beard: The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner, 32, blends wit and charm, entering as a fan favorite.
- Mickey Rourke: The Hollywood legend, 72, rounds out the cast, reportedly earning £500,000 for his Oscar-nominated presence.
This eclectic group spans generations and genres, ensuring a dynamic three-week run. From Mickey Rourke’s blockbuster pedigree to Ella Rae Wise’s reality TV roots, the house is a melting pot of stories waiting to unfold.
Who Was Rumored to Go on Celebrity Big Brother 2025?
Before the official reveal, speculation ran wild about who might join the 2025 lineup. The rumor mill churned out names that ranged from plausible to eyebrow-raising, fueled by tabloid leaks and fan chatter on platforms like X. Some of those whispers turned out to be spot-on, while others fizzled out. Let’s take a look at the key figures who were rumored to enter the house and how those predictions panned out.
One name that cropped up early was Tommy Fury, the Love Island 2019 runner-up and boxer. Reports suggested producers saw him as a draw for younger viewers, especially after his high-profile split from Molly-Mae Hague in 2024. However, he didn’t make the final cut—perhaps the timing wasn’t right for the 25-year-old amid his personal upheaval. Similarly, Ella Morgan from Married at First Sight UK 2023 was said to be in talks. Her unfiltered energy had fans petitioning for her inclusion, but she’s absent from the confirmed list, leaving some disappointed. Then there was Phillip Schofield, the former This Morning host who’d recently returned to TV with Channel 5’s Castaway. His potential stint was touted as a comeback move, yet he didn’t step into the Big Brother spotlight.
“You can’t try to justify what’s not right” #CBBUK pic.twitter.com/NLa7kY2czF
— Celebrity Big Brother UK (@bbuk) April 9, 2025
On the flip side, several rumored names did materialize. Mickey Rourke’s involvement swirled as a “biggest-ever signing” rumor, and his entrance proved it true, complete with a hefty paycheck. JoJo Siwa’s name popped up as a US import to snag a younger audience, a prediction that hit the mark. Daley Thompson and Jack P. Shepherd were also reliably tipped by outlets like The Sun, their reputations preceding them into the house. Even Sir Michael Fabricant, with his larger-than-life persona, was a whispered contender that came to fruition. The rumors weren’t perfect—Eamonn Holmes and Paris Fury were floated but didn’t appear—but they gave fans plenty to chew on before the launch.
What Makes This Cast Stand Out?
This year’s housemates bring a rare blend of star power and unpredictability. Take Mickey Rourke, for instance. His Hollywood journey—from 9½ Weeks to The Wrestler—adds a layer of intrigue, especially given his reported reluctance to join the conga line challenge on night one. Contrast that with Trisha Goddard, whose courage in facing terminal illness could make her the emotional heart of the series. I remember watching her show as a teen, marveling at how she handled tough topics with grace—qualities that might shine in the pressure cooker of the house.
Then there’s the generational mix. JoJo Siwa, barely out of her teens, represents a digital-age celebrity, while Daley Thompson’s Olympic legacy harks back to the ’80s. This range sets the stage for fascinating dynamics—imagine the decathlon champ debating “woke” culture with the TikTok star. Add in soap stalwarts like Patsy Palmer and Jack P. Shepherd, who’ve got decades of on-screen drama under their belts, and you’ve got a recipe for fireworks. Their familiarity with scripted tension might translate into real-life sparks, especially with Sir Michael Fabricant’s unfiltered political takes thrown in.
Sneak Peek 👁️ It’s night one and while Mickey is picking prizes Danny has an unexpected connection… #CBBUK pic.twitter.com/DwzSxLKyw8
— Celebrity Big Brother UK (@bbuk) April 8, 2025
How Did the Launch Night Set the Tone?
The live launch on April 7 didn’t disappoint, offering a taste of what’s to come. Chesney Hawkes strode in first, tasked with introducing himself as “The One and Only” to score points—a nod to his hit that instantly endeared him to nostalgic viewers. Sir Michael Fabricant followed, high-fiving housemates with an Austin Powers-inspired “Groovy, baby!” that hinted at his quirky charm. By the time Mickey Rourke arrived—after lingering outside to greet fans—the group had to coax him into a conga line, a task they nailed to kick off the fun. These secret challenges underscored the show’s playful spirit, setting a lighthearted yet competitive tone for the weeks ahead.
FAQs
Q. Who is the most famous housemate in Celebrity Big Brother 2025?
A. Mickey Rourke stands out as the most globally recognized name, thanks to his Oscar-nominated film career and reported £500,000 fee.
Q. How long will Celebrity Big Brother 2025 run?
A. The series is expected to span three weeks, concluding around April 25, 2025, based on past ITV runs.
Q. Were all the rumored housemates confirmed?
A. No, while some like Mickey Rourke and JoJo Siwa made it, others like Tommy Fury and Phillip Schofield did not.
Q. Where can I watch Celebrity Big Brother 2025?
A. It airs weeknights at 9 PM on ITV1 and streams on ITVX, with Late & Live on ITV2 for extra content.
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Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
