We need to give credit where credit's due: "Big Brother" has given us an unbeatable archive of TV gold moments over the years. As the mother of reality shows, and the first of its kind to grace our screens back in 2000, it paved the way for enjoyable, easy-watching that has undoubtedly gifted us with some of the most iconic telly scenes in viewing history. I mean, how often do you still hear, "I'm Claustrophobic, Darren"?
Now, after five years off-air, the show is undergoing a reboot with a fresh cast, brand-new house, and AJ Odudu and Will Best as the hosts [1]. Its revival by ITV, who has housed reality-hit "Love Island" for eight years, comes after Channel 5 axed the show in 2018 amid slumping ratings.
During the "Big Brother" heyday, when it used to air several times a year, the reality series treated us to some unforgettable scenes, as well as iconic housemates [2]. It was the starting point for "This Morning" presenters Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson, it catapulted receptionist Chantelle Houghton to fame, and it coined the OG reality TV villain Nasty Nick. Not to mention the meltdowns, arguments, and romances that had us glued to our screens every night.
So, before the house doors open on 8 October, read on to remind yourself of the iconic TV moments "Big Brother" has brought us that we simply cannot forget.
"Big Brother" Series 1: Nasty Nick
During its debut in 2000, contestant Nick Bateman earned – and still owns – the OG villain title. The city broker gained his moniker as a result of his suspicious, sly behaviour, which saw him go as far as being caught cheating in a game in order to sway the housemates votes and manipulate them to nominating others. He was then confronted by Craig Phillips, who ended up winning the season. Watching Nick's cunning behaviour unfold in real time was popcorn-worthy. Although seemingly light compared to some of the reality TV drama we've seen in recent years, it was a huge moment for the social experiment.
"Big Brother" Series 3: Alison Hammond Breaking the Table
"The Great British Bake Off" and "This Morning" may have turned Alison Hammond into TV royalty, but it was "Big Brother" that originally put her on our radar. Getting her big break in series three back in 2002, Alison won over the hearts of viewers with her infectious laugh and ability to break nearly everything. Top of the list was the outside table. Alison stood on top of the table to try to catch the attention of security guards patrolling the house. After a few jumps up and down, the table cracked. Heading to the Diary Room to confess, Alison hilariously offered to fix it, saying, "I could probably bend it back."
"Big Brother" Series 3: Jade Goody Thinking East Anglia Is Abroad
One of "Big Brother"'s OG members, the late Jade Goody entered the house in series three in 2002. During the nine weeks, the nation warmed to Jade's ditsy personality as she once amusingly labelled herself an "escapegoat" instead of "scapegoat". In a conversation with Spencer Smith, Jade mistakenly confused Cambridge as being a part of London and also thought East Anglia was a place abroad, she said: "East Angular . . . ain't that abroad?".
" Celebrity Big Brother" Series 4: Chantelle Houghton Pretending to Be a Celebrity
Starring alongside the likes of Pete Burns and Preston from The Ordinary Boys, Chantelle Houghton entered the "Big Brother" with a mission; she had to fool her housemates that she wasn't a receptionist from Essex, but the lead singer of fictional girlband Kandy Floss. During a talent show, Chantelle had to confidently perform her fake track, "I Want It Right Now," in front of her housemates to achieve celebrity status. Genius.
"Celebrity Big Brother" Series 4: George Galloway Pretending to Be a Cat
The politician appeared in "Celebrity Big Brother" back in 2006 and created one of the most jaw-dropping moments during a task. In an exchange with actress Rui Lenska, he asked, "Now, would you like me to be the cat?" before crawling on all fours, purring, and licking cream off Rui's hand. It sparked a lot of jokes, with an audience member on "Question Time" saying, "Maybe Labour needs a new leader and it should be George Galloway in a catsuit."
"Big Brother" Series 7: Nikki Grahame’s “Who Is She” Metldown
Hands down, 2006's series seven, was a memorable year, made by love-struck contestants Nikki Grahame and Pete Bennett. But aside from their on-screen romance, the late Nikki brought us countless iconic moments thanks to her fairly frequent Diary Room meltdowns. One in particular was her "Who is she? Who is she? Where did you find her?" outburst over Susie Verrico, after the fellow contestant put her up for nomination, despite "not even knowing her".
"Big Brother" Series 7: Glynn Wise Cooking an Egg For the Very First Time
If you still sing this song whenever you cook an egg, you have "Big Brother"'s Glynn Wise to thank. The mundane activity became a global sensation, as then-18-year-old Glynn from North Wales boiled an egg for the very first time and made a catchy song to go with it. The song spawned a million hilarious remixes and karaoke versions on YouTube.
"Big Brother" Series 8: Brian Belo Wetting the Bed
Winning the eighth series in 2007, Brian brought us a lot of hilarious moments, including his pledge to not knowing William Shakespeare. But it was his bed-wetting scene that will be remembered forever. After having a "cider binge" back before the show tightened up its duty of care guidelines, Brian woke from sleeping in the caravan outside and declared that he had an "accident". The funny part was, the fellow housemates he told promised they "wouldn't tell everyone", despite it just being aired on prime-time TV.
"Big Brother" Series 9: Mario and Lisa Engagement
Entering the house as a couple in 2008, the duo were engaged after Mario Malcone, 55 at the time, proposed to Lisa Appleton, then 40. In a "Love Actually"–style moment, Mario stood suited and booted in the garden and presented placards to her that popped the question. Tying the knot two years later, their relationship ended after eight years.
"Celebrity Big Brother" Series 17: Tiffany Pollard’s “David Is Dead”
In January 2016, pop icon David Bowie passed away while his ex-wife and mother of his child, Angie Bowie, was in the "Big Brother" house. After being informed in the Diary Room, Angie went back out into the house and confided in American TV personality Tiffany Pollard. As fellow housemate David Gest was unwell at the time and tucked up in bed, Tiffany assumed the David in question was her fellow housemate that had died and repeatedly blurted aloud, "David's dead". It look a several long minutes for the dots to finally be connected. The "Big Brother" reboot has thankfully confirmed the housemates will be better protected when it comes to duty of care, yet this moment was a real eye-opener.
"Celebrity Big Brother" Series 17: Gemma Collins' "I’m Claustrophobic Darren"
In 2016, the GC entered the "Big Brother" house for the celebrity version and was the seventh to be evicted. During her stay, the reality TV star provided unlimited material for a stream of memes, particularly because Gemma hated the tasks, and so the nation kept voting for her to do them. At one stage, after being nominated yet again, the GC finally exploded in anger at fellow housemate Darren Day, which coined her catchphrase: "I'm claustrophobic, Darren!".
"Celebrity Big Brother" Series 19: Kim Woodburn Being Temporarily Removed Over Heated Row
Want to see queen of clean Kim Woodurn take on five housemates and crush them all? Let's take you back to 2017. Known for her no-holds-barred opinions, Kim is never afraid of saying what's on her mind or calling out fellow housemates. This time, just before the lights went off for bed, Kim unleashed her anger on everyone, branding the housemates as "gang handed and bullies", before threatening them with: "I'll cross you so badly you'll regret it for the rest of your lives". Security had to get involved, and Kim was almost removed from the house.
"Big Brother" Series 19: Cameron’s Announcement
Winning the last "Big Brother" series in 2018 was Cameron Cole. During the season, then-18-year-old Cameron came out as gay in a brave conversation with fellow contestant Lewis. Eventually plucking up the courage to inform the house, which saw fellow contestants cry, congratulate, and cheer him on. It was a touching moment, which led to an outpour of support for Cameron on social media.
"Celebrity Big Brother" Series 21: Ann Widdecombe Using Hair Straighteners
Former MP Ann Widdecombe finished as runner-up back in 2018, despite her "unfashionable views". Despite her controversial opinions on abortion and gay marriage during her time in the BB house, Ann, 70 at the time, managed to entertain the nation thanks to her inability to use hair straighteners. While doing her hair, Ann had viewers in stitches as she repeatedly clasped the straighteners shut on air instead of her hair, before giving up after a few minutes. No wonder fellow housemates Malika Haqq and Ashley James often styled her hair for her.