IT’S that time of the year again when a host of famous faces pack their bags and move into the Celebrity Big Brother house.
Fans watched last night as celebs strutted through the famous doors with their game faces on… but which star will let their mask slip first? And which one is likely to cause all the drama?
Well, I got an insight into what they’re really going to be like when I went into lockdown with them over the last 48 hours.
I was the only journalist allowed to meet the stars as they swapped their glitzy lives for one under the biggest spotlight in showbiz.
Before they entered the house last night they were all locked in separate rooms in a swanky hotel, the size of which clearly depended on their star power – with American stars and in suites while ’s Ella Rae Wise slummed it in a standard room.
There they had their belongings meticulously checked for any rule breaking contraband, designer labels covered with sticky tape and had to sit through a series of chats with backstage staff.
Then I popped in to find out exactly how they were feeling ahead of the show and got a ringside seat to exactly what they are going to be like inside the house.
Here I reveal what this year’s stars are really like and what fans can expect over the next three weeks.
Mickey Rourke
He’s got a reputation that precedes him and after half an hour in his company you can see why. But the wild, hell-raiser I was expecting to find was actually a clean-eating, chain-smoking, thoughtful acting heavyweight.
Yes he’s still got an eye for the ladies – I overheard him asking if there were any supermodels around – but he’s also got the deepest well of showbiz stories that left my jaw on the floor. Whoever signed this man needs a pay rise, he’s going to be TV gold and worth every penny of .
Trisha Goddard
The broadcaster has knocked back yearly advances to get her in the house but decided the time was finally right.
, Trisha is determined to stop the pity party and show cancer patients can still lead a feisty and full life.
She was on fine form when we met, sharp as a tac and hell bent on putting any who dares cross her in their place. She admits her diagnosis has left her with no filter so expect snarky put downs when they’re needed and a good grilling in her trademark style.
Sir Michael Fabricant
Let’s face it, we all just want to know what’s really going on with the former MP’s hair, which seems like a sore topic of conversation, even though I can stop staring at it when we meet.
The self-entitled “blonde bombshell”; knocked back red wine as he shrugged off my gentle probe into his long locks, and instead joyfully told me of his plans to dish the dirt on his firmer Tory colleagues.
He has absolutely no filter, dropping some toe-curling one liners too rude to repeat now, so I can only imagine the clangers inside the house.
If he’s not the first to be evicted, he’ll be the first to get cancelled for a misplaced joke.
Daley Thompson
The former gold medallist is a complete charmer who uses eye contact to try and leave you flustered. His moves didn’t work on me, I was more distracted by his decision to do our entire chat laying in his bed.
He will likely win over women watching at home but his non-PC views are sure to ruffle feathers inside the house.
His kids reckon he’s too old to change his ways and he’s certainly a man who knows what he’s all about. His message, if you don’t like him, switch off!
Ella Rae Wise
She’s the youngest in the house and anyone expecting a bitchy Essex diva are going to be sorely disappointed.
She’s a total sweetheart who has already won over all the backstage crew with her warm persona and bubbly demeanour.
Her is sure to be a topic of conversation but I got the impression this firecracker is determined to show there’s more to her than just the men she dates.
Chris Hughes
I felt like I’d stepped into an episode of when he opened his bedroom door dressed only in a pristine white towel, his toned torso on fully display.
Having refused his offer for me to wait inside while he dressed, we eventually sat down for a chat and it quickly became clear he’s still the smiley, lovable lad fans fell in love with when he hit our screens eight years ago.
He’s annoyingly single, by his own admission, and when I suggested he might find a spark with a certain Essex babe in the house, he seemed delighted. She’s certainly his type on paper.
Angellica Bell
She looks like she hasn’t aged a day since she started out on and admits she’s using her time in the house as some sort of rebirth.
She’s going to have to work hard to make any waves inside the house given all the big personalities she’ll be living with, especially if she’s as aloof with them as she was with me.
I struggled to find any warmth from her, she’s going to have to let down that guard with her housemates.
Donna Preston
The comedy actress is like your best mate you’ve not seen in a while.
She’s warm, funny, totally engaging and seems dumbfounded she’s found herself in a house meant for celebrities.
She’ll get stuck into the tasks and I think she'll provide some real comedy moments with her northern humour.
JoJo Siwa
Full transparency, I didn’t have a clue who she was. But I totally get why she’s a star and a big hitter on the other side of the pond.
There’s something intoxicating about her energy, and she knows it, admitting to me that despite , she loves it when men try it on with her.
I can see her capturing the attention of both men and women in the house and with her social medial following [she’s got 50m on TikTok alone] she is a finalist, for sure.
Patsy Palmer
I was terrified to meet her because she's known for being spiky, especially to press, or maybe I was just expecting to come up against a gobby ? But I actually met a zen wellness queen in a hippy cardigan.
She was so calm and delightful. She'll surprise people thinking they're going to see Bianca in the house.
Jack P Shepherd
He's basically who smiles more. He swears a lot in real life which shocked me, and likes to take the mickey whenever possible.
I think he could be the housemate who holds everyone together because his northern charm is endearing.
Chesney Hawkes
doesn't look like he's aged a day and knows he's still a hunk!
He's quieter than I expected but not afraid to poke fun at himself and his son's warned him to make sure he wears clothes because he likes being naked! I’m sure his army of female fans will be hoping he defies that order.
Danny Beard
could be a potential winner, he's hilarious, has no filter and has taken loads of wigs and a “dressing up box” with him to bring chaos to the house.
He dropped a few stinging one-liners which I think viewers will love, but his energy might grate on the older housemates.
