zakman440
05-05-2015, 03:10 PM
I have been asked to go over to London this week for a very unusual reunion. The original 'cast' or 'housemates' of Big Brother 1 are gathering for a photoshoot to celebrate 15 years of the reality television series.
When contacted, I immediately said yes. I thought it would be wonderful to catch up with the other 11 people and see where they are in their lives now.
Over the years, I have done my own research to see where they ended up. Some have been easy to find, via social media. Others seem to have completely disappeared off the planet.
Craig, the builder from Liverpool, who won the first year, is a successful property developer in his hometown.
I have seen him over the years and he was very clever in how he used his win to create a successful business.
There are others, like Darren and Mel, who I occasionally contact through Facebook or Twitter.
Mel has a beautiful baby boy and Darren (who had three children already when he went into the house) seems to be living a happy life.
He hasn't aged a bit.
The lesser known ones are the ones I will be more intrigued to see. Caggie, or Caroline, was the loud, ballsey Brummie lass. She wore dark lip liner and she made me laugh a lot. In recent years, she has found Jesus.
Her posts on social media are fascinating and full of praise for her Lord. Her beliefs are extreme and she has many conspiracy theories about paedophilia in the world of politics and the church.
Then there's Nichola.
Nichola was the girl with the shaved head. I have heard many stories about her. I think she was married for a while.
I think she had a relationship with Sada from the Big Brother House and also heard rumours that she went on to work in the adult film industry.
I have been asked many times over the last 15 years if I regret doing the show. I don't.
I can remember filling out the application form and filming myself to make a video to send into the producers. I was taking a chance at the time, and that chance worked out so well for me.
I wonder how all the others feel about their time in the house? Are there any regrets? Will we all be able to look back and think we had a weird and wonderful time? Or will there be those who wished they hadn't put their foot inside that house?
Fifteen years ago we were young(ish), innocent(ish) guinea pigs, about to step into what was to become the biggest television show of a generation.
Like any reunion, no doubt we will hear of how life has thrown many challenges, many hurdles in people's paths, and hopefully given them some gifts along the way.
I cannot wait to see the Housemates of 2000. We had a blast. Sure it was only a game show!
http://www.herald.ie/opinion/anna-nolan-after-15-years-i-cant-wait-to-meet-my-old-big-brother-housemates-again-31194414.html
Wow, nearly 15 years ago. The article was written by Anna Nolan btw.
When contacted, I immediately said yes. I thought it would be wonderful to catch up with the other 11 people and see where they are in their lives now.
Over the years, I have done my own research to see where they ended up. Some have been easy to find, via social media. Others seem to have completely disappeared off the planet.
Craig, the builder from Liverpool, who won the first year, is a successful property developer in his hometown.
I have seen him over the years and he was very clever in how he used his win to create a successful business.
There are others, like Darren and Mel, who I occasionally contact through Facebook or Twitter.
Mel has a beautiful baby boy and Darren (who had three children already when he went into the house) seems to be living a happy life.
He hasn't aged a bit.
The lesser known ones are the ones I will be more intrigued to see. Caggie, or Caroline, was the loud, ballsey Brummie lass. She wore dark lip liner and she made me laugh a lot. In recent years, she has found Jesus.
Her posts on social media are fascinating and full of praise for her Lord. Her beliefs are extreme and she has many conspiracy theories about paedophilia in the world of politics and the church.
Then there's Nichola.
Nichola was the girl with the shaved head. I have heard many stories about her. I think she was married for a while.
I think she had a relationship with Sada from the Big Brother House and also heard rumours that she went on to work in the adult film industry.
I have been asked many times over the last 15 years if I regret doing the show. I don't.
I can remember filling out the application form and filming myself to make a video to send into the producers. I was taking a chance at the time, and that chance worked out so well for me.
I wonder how all the others feel about their time in the house? Are there any regrets? Will we all be able to look back and think we had a weird and wonderful time? Or will there be those who wished they hadn't put their foot inside that house?
Fifteen years ago we were young(ish), innocent(ish) guinea pigs, about to step into what was to become the biggest television show of a generation.
Like any reunion, no doubt we will hear of how life has thrown many challenges, many hurdles in people's paths, and hopefully given them some gifts along the way.
I cannot wait to see the Housemates of 2000. We had a blast. Sure it was only a game show!
http://www.herald.ie/opinion/anna-nolan-after-15-years-i-cant-wait-to-meet-my-old-big-brother-housemates-again-31194414.html
Wow, nearly 15 years ago. The article was written by Anna Nolan btw.