The stars whose careers were nearly ruined by Celebrity Big Brother as series returns

WHEN stars from across the UK and beyond sign up to Celebrity Big Brother, they hope it will boost their career and their bank balance.

However, for these celebs, a stint in the house spelled disaster and almost cost them everything.

Roxanne Pallet

Probably one of the involved .

The actress made a which left fans enraged.

The former soap star shot to fame playing Jo Sugden on .

Before going into the CBB house in 2018, Roxanne was a popular star who had enjoyed stints on other shows like , Stars In Their Eyes, and Soapstar Superstar.

However, an innocent playfight with former star led to the “like a boxer hits a bag”;, calling him a “woman beater”;.

When BB gave him a warning, poor .

In fact, , and Roxanne had to admit it had all been a “horrible mistake”;.

Over to leading to a where she said she was sorry for reacting that way.

Roxanne said: “I understand, with what the public was shown, why it confused and outraged them.

“They didn’t see the full picture or the whole context or my history, so I get it. Only God sees the whole story so only God can truly judge.

“Viewers weren’t shown that I was treated three days running by the medics in the diary room.

“They didn’t see the build-up. This was not an isolated, random reaction, but it was portrayed as an impulsive act.

“But I accept I gave producers ownership of whatever I said or did and I have to acknowledge they had the right to edit me and show whatever they want in whatever context fitted their storyline.”

However, the fall out was immense and it saw and her upcoming panto role in Cinderella in Chesterfield.

In the aftermath .

Roxanne has since moved to , and .

Jo O’ Meara

As the lead singer of 90s pop group , sold 14 million records, toured the world and was about to launch a solo career.

But everything changed for the star when she signed up to go on Celebrity Big Brother in 2007.

It came when Jo, along with the late and , were accused of “bullying” .

The incident made international headlines, was discussed in and led to a police investigation.

Although she has since rebuilt her life, and always maintained how sorry she is for what happened, at the time .

She was forced to shelve her music comeback, received death threats and had to be placed in a safe house.

Speaking to Flying Eze in 2021, she said: “I think a lot of people wanted me to be punished for what happened, and I was.

“I lost my career. I lost my home. I lost everything and I’m still trying to rebuild today.

“That’s why I feel so blessed to be back doing what I love.

“I had a complete breakdown and it wasn’t a nice time for everybody involved.

“If I could go back in time and change what happened then I would, but I can’t. All I can do is hold my hands up and apologise.”

Jo has since reemerged back into the spotlight and .

Christopher Biggins

Much-loved star felt the wrath of Big Brother and fans when he appeared on the celebrity spin-off in 2016.

Known for nostalgic TV shows like Rentaghost, plus being a regular on the panto scene, Biggins was the nation’s favourite uncle, and reality TV had treated him well.

Prior to his doomed appearance, he won in 2007 and also was a Celebrity champion in 2009.

However, Biggins' popularity took a dive when for describing bisexuals as “the worst type”; and making a concentration camp joke to fellow housemate and former star , who is Jewish.

He immediately apologised, and said: “I love Jewish people. Listen, my best friend is [actress] .

“You can’t get much more Jewish than that.”;

Jeremy Jackson

Next up we have US star , who shot to fame in hit 90s TV show Baywatch.

He played Hobie Buchanan from 1991 to 1999 alongside his screen dad and stars including and Yasmine Bleeth.

However, the actor's time in the Celebrity Big Brother house was so controversial it ended with a police caution.

He was thrown out of the 2015 series after he was filmed opening reality star ‘s dressing gown.

Jeremy has since apologised and expressed regret over what he did, but Hertfordshire Police confirmed he had been cautioned for common assault.

Things then went from bad to worst for the star.

In 2017, and five years probation, after stabbing a woman during an argument in 2015.

However, Jeremy has turned his life around and is clean from drugs and embracing a healthy new lifestyle.

Ken Morley

Jeremy wasn't the only celebrity to be kicked out of the CBB house in 2015.

That same series former Coronation Street star Ken Morley was also told to leave by BB bosses.

The actor was given the boot immediately after he used the N-word.

Ofcom revealed they'd had received more than 200 complaints about his behaviour in the house before he was eventually ordered out.

Ken was very apologetic for the language he used, and shortly after he left the house he told : “I’m aware of the fact I’ve upset a lot of people and I am sorry.

“Alexander [O'Neal] and I were having discussions. We were great friends.”

The actor continued: “I put my hand up and say the word [n—o] shouldn’t be used but it is an old fashioned word. I apologise unreservedly to everyone who watched that programme.

“It was banter in an odd situation, but I understand entirely if I have upset people from everywhere in the world – not just from this country but in Africa and the Caribbean.

“I am not a racist – I have taught black children in London and people everywhere, so I apologise.”

Before going on Big Brother he had been a well known face on the box, and had appeared on ITV‘s Benidorm and also the BBC's .