The Best And Worst Big Brother Contestants Of All Time
17 years after its first televison debut Big Brother is back this year with its now 18th series and multiple Celebrity Big Brother spin-offs. The series gave us some riveting and controversial moments that marked the beginning of our adolescents. Who can forget season 5's "Fight Night", shock evictions, Vanessa Feltz losing her mind as she wrote random words on a chalkboard and Makusi's pregnancy scare after riding Anthony in the jacuzzi! Even after 17 years, its logo and theme song is still instantly recognisable, perhaps unlike some of its former contestants. Here are the best and worst BB contestants of all time that you may or may not remember:
Best Contestants
Jade Goody
Who? Back in 2002, Jade Goody came 3rd in BB3 and it didn't stop her. A favourite with the British tabloids, Goody went on to become the most successful BB housemate of all time launching her own perfume, book series and television show. Goody nearly lost it all when she appeared alongside other favourite past contestants in Ultimate Big Brother and was involved in a "race row" with Indian actress Shilpa Shetty. Goody felt that if she had ever returned to the show it would ruin her career. The contestant died of cervical cancer in 2007 at the age of 27 and is credited with saving thousands of women's lives who got checked after her death.
Best Quotes: "Rio de Janeiro - that's a person"/ "That's asexual harassment"/ "I had my first birthday when I was one"
Brian Belo
Who? The youngest ever winner of BB8 will be remembered for not knowing who Shakespeare is. Brian also appeared on BB16 but left shortly into his stay after an explosive argument with the villain of the series Helen Wood.
Best quote: "What's Romeo & Juliet? Romeo, aint that the geezer from So Solid crew?"
Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace
Who?: "AIS-LEEN" finished 3rd in BB7 in 2006. Aisleyne was chosen to live in the "House Next Door" and select new housemates to join the Big Brother house. Along with Brian, Nikki and Helen she also made an appearance on BB16.
Best line: "You better know yourself if you're talking like that to me little girl!"
Nikki Grahame
Who? Nikki became a break-out star of the show after several of her tantrums had viewers in hysterics and came 5th place on BB7 and has appeared the most on future series of BB. Nikki went on to host her own show Princess Nikki and won a National Television Award for being a standout contestant. We're not sure how her housemates coped but we loved it!
Best quote: "Who is she?"/ "Turn the air con off!!"
Helen Adams
Who? Back in 2001, Helen was pipped to the post by eventual season winner Brian Dowling in BB2. Helen will be forever remembered for her relationship with Paul and the flirtations she pulled out of the bag. The pair broke up after 5 years of being together in 2006.
Best quote: "You'd be surprised at what can go in this mouth!"
Brian Dowling
Who? Kildare's very own Brian Dowling is the only contestant to have won BB twice winning BB2 and Ultimate BB. Brian came out to his parents two weeks before entering the BB house. Brian went on to host Big Brother when it changed from Channel 4 to Channel 5 but was axed after he presented 6 seasons the show being replaced by current host Emma Willis.
Best Quote: After stubbing his toe: "My f**king toe you b*st*rds!"
Pete Bennett
Who? The lovable Pete, who lives with Tourette's syndrome, won BB5 and had a relationship with Nikki during, and briefly after, the show ended. Pete revealed after BB ended that the show was like rehab for him as he was addicted to drugs such as LSD.
Best quote: "Yeaaaah, I'm ok....HNNGH WANKER"
Josie Gibson
Who?: Jodie won BB 11 with over 77% of the public vote, the highest win in the history of the show. Fans loved her girl next door attitude, quirky accent and relationship with Luke. Josie was favourite to win Ultimate Big Brother, a collection of favourite housemates from the past seasons, but walked out after 3 days.
Best quote: "would you still love me if I had no top lip?"
Worst Contestants
Helen Wood
Who? Although viewers hated her, Helen won Big Brother 15 for, what Nikki Grahame said, "being hated".
Worst quote: "I would say I am very easy to get along with"/ "You f**king skinny c**t!"
Nasty Nick
Who? Nick was the villain we all loved to hate. Known as Nasty Nick by viewers of the 3rd season of BB, Nick tried to manipulate housemates into nominating each other so he could win the prize money.
Worst quote: *writing notes to other contestants* / "You're in it to win it!"
Rex Newmark
Who? Rex's favourite things were food, money, and success and in Big Brother 9 he received the most nominations. Rex was criticized for his "intimidation" of eventual season 9 winner Rachel.
Worst quote: "Who drank my fucking cider?...F**king w*nkers!"
Grace Adams-Short
Who?
Grace had the most memorable exit as she threw a glass of water in poor aul Susie's - the KitKat winners - face as she blamed Susie, who chose her to be nominated, for her eviction.
Worst quote: "I say what I want"
Charley Uchea
Who? Charley received one of the biggest boos from the crowd after her eviction in season 8. Charley was hated for arrogance and rudeness to other contestants. After BB she appeared on 8 Out Of 10 Cats and walked off the show after host Jimmy Carr started a chant with the audience to boo her.
Worst quote: "I'm a South East London IT girl!"