Celebrity Big Brother is back with a bang for its 25th anniversary, and this year’s line-up promises explosive TV. The show, launched on April 7, is packing in everything from Hollywood legends and soap icons to outspoken ex-politicians and TikTok sensations. The celebrities will be locked in the famous house for 19 days, with cameras capturing every move and moment.
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With drama, scandal and a few surprises expected behind the infamous house doors, the 2025 cast is already turning heads. From Trisha Goddard's brave health battle to Mickey Rourke's record-breaking payday, here's everything we know about the celebs entering the house this year.
Trisha Goddard
TV legend Trisha Goddard is one of the most talked-about additions to the line-up. At 67, the former talk show host is joining the Celebrity Big Brother house after sharing that her stage four breast cancer is incurable. Her decision has been widely seen as an act of bravery and a testament to her commitment to living life fully. Speaking to Hello!, Trisha said:
I must keep enjoying what I have always enjoyed.
Her diagnosis, which she received 20 months ago, came after a fall led to the discovery that her right hip was 'full of cancerous cells.' Now living in Connecticut with her husband Allen, Trisha has said the hardest part of her journey was hiding the diagnosis as keeping the secret was ‘becoming a burden.’ She also revealed why she decided to join CBB:
Being on Big Brother would show people how you can live successfully with cancer and not be so scared of dying that you become scared of living. So that's why I'm doing it.
Mickey Rourke
Hollywood actor and former boxer Mickey Rourke is making waves with his surprise entry. At 72, Rourke is reportedly being paid a six-figure sum, making him one of the highest-paid celebrities in the show's history. A source told The Sun:
It’s hard to think of a Big Brother booking as big as Mickey Rourke since the show began.
Known for his outspoken personality and unpredictable nature, producers are hoping he'll deliver fireworks in the house. Another insider shared:
He's a producer's dream because he has loads of stories, is a loose cannon, he is considered a huge get.
But there are also concerns that, like his early exit from The Masked Singer, he may walk out before the finale.
Patsy Palmer
Patsy Palmer is leaving her serene Malibu lifestyle for the cameras once again. Best known for playing Bianca Jackson on EastEnders—a show that has seen some crazy exits, the 52-year-old has been living in California since 2014 where she goes by her birth name Julie Anne Harris. She now works as a DJ and been looking after her teenage children, Fenton, 24, and Emilia, 23, who are pursue their studies online instead of attending conventional schools.
In a past interview, she explained:
The schools are different in America, they’re a lot more relaxed. It’s so far to go anyway.
If they have a casting in the day it’s going to be hard for them to get there. They don’t really like school anyway, I hated it when I was a kid, so I’m never going to push them.
Patsy made headlines in 2021 when she stormed off Good Morning Britain after objecting to being referred to as an 'addict to wellness guru.'
Michael Fabricant
Michael Fabricant, 74, might just be the wildcard of the series. The former Conservative MP is known for his no-filter attitude, his distinctive blonde hair, and a career filled with controversy and viral moments. Now out of Parliament, he's swapping political debates for diary room confessions.
Former staffer Ben Harris told The Sun:
It’ll be explosive because he has no filter.
A source told the Daily Mail:
He doesn't hold back, he's going to be compulsive viewing, we can't wait.
We wanted a top politician but one with enormous personality which would entertain the viewers.
He recently lost his seat so was available; already the execs are excited that he will be a star of the series.
From once shouting 'b******' in the Commons to cycling naked for charity, Fabricant has a colourful past. He's also spoken publicly about alleged spy missions and his travels before politics.
There's also no question that his hair will be the focus of many conversations in the house. Indeed, there is much public curiousity about that head full of hair is real or a wig.
Fabricant previously said that most of it was real, with some areas being 'enhanced' however during his introduction into the show he hinted that it may actually be a wig. He said:
I can show you the receipt! It cost a fortune!
Perhaps living in a house that's being constantly filmed will finally bring out the truth.
JoJo Siwa
At just 21, JoJo Siwa may be the youngest housemate, but she's certainly one of the most talked-about. Rising to fame on Dance Moms at the age of nine, she quickly became known for her big bows and even bigger personality. Siwa faced harsh treatment on the show, including a moment where other contestants were asked to list reasons she should be kicked off. Since then, she's become a divisive figure, with critics calling her 'too much.'
Despite her success with songs like Boomerang and a lucrative hair accessory line with Claire's, JoJo has also been embroiled in controversy. From a makeup kit recall due to asbestos to backlash over a board game with inappropriate questions, her brand has faced challenges.
In 2020, she was criticised for what appeared to be blackface in a music video. Most recently, her rebrand as an adult artist with the track Karma stirred further debate, with critics slamming the video as too provocative.
Despite all this, JoJo remains a major star with millions of followers and has said:
It’s about staying true to who you are, remembering why you do what you do and not letting anybody stop you for any reason. It’s not their life, it’s your life.
Chris Hughes
Chris Hughes, 32, found fame on Love Island in 2017 and has since transitioned into a career in sports broadcasting. Best known for his relationship with Olivia Attwood, Chris now works with ITV covering horse racing. His move to CBB could see a return to the reality TV limelight.
But what many fans are eager to hear about is his past romance with Little Mix star Jesy Nelson. The two dated from 2019 to 2020, and he once referred to her as his ‘future wife.’ Their split reportedly happened over the phone during lockdown, and despite the break-up, Chris shared kind words when Jesy recently announced her pregnancy, writing 'Go on girl' in the comments.
Daley Thompson
Olympic legend Daley Thompson, 66, is entering the Celebrity Big Brother house more than 30 years after retiring from athletics. With two Olympic golds in the decathlon, four world records, and an unbeaten streak lasting nearly a decade, he's considered one of Britain’s greatest athletes.
However, behind the glory lies a complex personal history. Daley's father was murdered when he was a child, and he was raised mostly in boarding schools. His journey from poverty to athletic greatness was filled with sacrifice. He married his childhood sweetheart and had three children before a divorce, later fathering two more children with another partner.
One of his sons, Elliot, is now a national decathlon champion, while another, Alex, has played rugby for England and Scotland.
Angellica Bell
Angellica Bell, 49, may bring a calm voice to the chaos of the Celebrity Big Brother house, but she also carries drama of her own. A former CBBC star and co-host of The Martin Lewis Money Show, Angellica was reportedly ‘quietly sacked’ from Lewis' show after taking on a role with a rival show, Shop Smart, Save Money.
According to The Sun, ITV bosses felt her new role posed a conflict of interest. The behind-the-scenes fallout was allegedly kept under wraps, leading to speculation and controversy.
Her husband Michael Underwood has now hinted that she may speak out on CBB about what really happened. Despite her exit, Angellica remains a respected figure in British television and has continued working in radio. She currently presents on Hits Radio.
Chesney Hawkes
Pop icon Chesney Hawkes, 53, is best known for his 1991 hit The One and Only, but there's much more to his story. He began his career at 19 and later appeared in shows like Celebrity MasterChef and The Games.
His father is Chip Hawkes of 60s band The Tremeloes, and his upbringing was filled with music and wild parties. Married since 1997 to Kristina, Chesney credits her with stabilising both his personal and financial life. The couple have three children, including a son who now plays guitar in Chesney’s band.
Chesney’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, thanks to both his music and media work. As he enters the CBB house, he's also gearing up for a musical comeback with a new album release. Sources suggest his return to the spotlight is perfectly timed, with a new album set for release.
Donna Preston
Donna Preston, 38, is a rising force in British comedy and acting. Best known for her roles in Hey Tracey!, Apocalypse Wow!, and Michael McIntyre's Big Show, she's now bringing her humour to the CBB house.
Her film credits include Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Grimsby, and The Hitman’s Bodyguard. Donna also appeared in The Sandman as Despair and has worked on multiple Neil Gaiman projects.
Beyond screen work, Donna is a self-professed Big Brother superfan, even guest-starring on Big Brother: Late & Live in 2023. Known for her offbeat charm and comedic timing, she's expected to bring energy and unpredictable fun to the house.
Jack P. Shepherd
Jack P. Shepherd, 37, has played David Platt on Coronation Streetsince 2000. Known for his dramatic soap storylines, his real life has also seen its fair share of headlines. Jack has three children, including one son he reportedly has never met, born from an affair in 2010. While he pays child support, the situation has sparked public debate.
Jack is currently engaged to Hanni Treweek, a former Corrie scriptwriter. The couple are planning a lavish wedding, which some say is a key reason Jack joined CBB.
Speaking before entering, Jack admitted he might get on housemates’ nerves by always being ‘on the wind up.’ He said:
Maybe someone getting annoyed with the amount of storytelling I do. I’m always on the wind up – maybe they’ll be a bit annoyed that I’m always on the wind up.
Ella Rae Wise
Reality star Ella Rae Wise, 24, is entering the house fresh from a breakup. She recently ended her 18-month relationship with TOWIE co-star Dan Edgar, stating:
We can't just be together because we have a great sex life, it’s got to be deeper than that.
Speaking to The Sun, she confirmed the split and said:
It has nothing to do with Big Brother. It was a decision that I had to make because I didn't feel that we were getting things that we wanted out of each other.
We can be best friends, but if something's missing, what are we wasting our time for?
Ella’s entry has delighted producers hoping for on-screen romance. She’s not actively looking for a new relationship, but says she wouldn’t mind some innocent flirting. With a self-assured attitude and strong opinions on relationships, Ella could become a key figure in house drama.
Danny Beard
Danny Beard, 32, is a standout drag performer from Liverpool, known for their bold style and sharp wit. They first gained attention on Britain’s Got Talent in 2016 and later won RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2022. Since then, Danny has appeared on Hollyoaks, launched the Gossip Gays podcast, and become a vocal figure in LGBTQ+ circles.
Danny identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, though they’ve said they’re not strict about labels. They told listeners:
I think also for me as time’s gone on I think technically yes, I would say I’m non-binary, but also it’s not a thing I go out and say, ‘hey everyone I’m non-binary
Read more:
Celebrity Big Brother: From Sharon Osbourne to Zeze Millz, how much are the celebs worth
Hollywood's Mickey Rourke expected to join Celebrity Big Brother: Inside his turbulent life
10 British TV moments that shocked the nation: From disastrous interviews to celeb feuds
Sources used:
Daily Mail: CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER 2025: MEET THE LINEUP!
The Standard: Celebrity Big Brother 2025: Who are the contestants?
Daily Mail: Legendary TV host Trisha Goddard will bravely enter the Celebrity Big Brother house despite terminal stage four breast cancer diagnosis
Oh! My Mag: Hollywood's Mickey Rourke expected to join Celebrity Big Brother: Inside his turbulent life
The Sun: Inside CBB star Patsy Palmer’s VERY surprising Malibu life from storming off GMB to revealing kids don’t go to school
The Sun: I dealt with Michael Fabricant’s biggest controversies – he’s got no filter and will be explosive on Celeb Big Brother
Metro: JoJo Siwa’s biggest controversies ahead of Celebrity Big Brother including pregnancy hoax
Mirror: Why did Chris Hughes and Jesy Nelson split and his sweet response to her pregnancy
Wales Online: Daley Thompson's turbulent love life, murdered father and international rugby star son
The Irish Sun: Angellica Bell ‘will break silence on Martin Lewis feud’ after Celeb Big Brother star was ‘quietly sacked’
Heart UK: Chesney Hawkes facts: Singer's age, net worth, wife, children and famous father revealed
National World: Celebrity Big Brother 2025: Who is Donna Preston - what has actress and comedian been in?
Metro: Celebrity Big Brother’s Jack P Shepherd’s love child that ‘he never sees’
The Sun: CBB star Ella Rae Wise confirms she has DUMPED Towie lover Dan Edgar as she reveals reason behind split
Heart UK: Danny Beard facts: Drag queen's age, partner, pronouns and TV appearances revealed
