GettyFor better or worse, Big Brother is back.
And, as the new series of the show (the 17th – yes, really) officially kicked off last night, we take a look back at all 16 previous winners of the divisive reality TV show to see just how far they soared after they left the comfort of the Big Brother House.
From first season’s Craig Phillips to last year’s Chloe Wilburn, here are the winners and how far (or not) they’ve come:
Big Brother 1: Craig Phillips
YouTube/WikimediaCraig was 28 when he won the first series of Big Brother back in 2000.
The Liverpudlian, now 43, developed a construction training academy in the North West in 2006 and now works as a property developer and presenter.
But he’s not completely turned his back on the limelight – he’s since appeared on Big Brother 10, Ultimate Big Brother and Big Brother: Timebomb. He is believe to be the wealthiest former housemate with an estimated fortune of £15 million.
Big Brother 2: Brian Dowling
YouTube/InstagramBrian was 22 when he won the second series of Big Brother in 2001 – and his popularity in the house has remained untouched as he still holds the record for never once being up for nomination.
Since winning, the Irishman has worked as a voiceover artist, corporate host, and pantomime star – but he is best known for his TV and radio presenting work, including a short-lived showbiz section on BBC Radio 1.
But his Twitter bio simply reads: “Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend, oh and of course Ultimate Housemate of all time ever!”
The 34-year-old also presented Big Brother from 2011 to 2013.
Big Brother 3: Kate Lawler
YouTube/GettyKate was also 22 when she appeared on Big Brother. She’s since appeared in several lads’ mags as well as an Ann Summers campaign after winning BB in 2006.
She now works for Virgin Radio after starting a new show this week.
Big Brother 4: Cameron Stout
YouTube/GettySince appearing on BB, Cameron (32-years-old when he won) has become a spokesman for the Hall of Clestrain in the BBC television series Restoration.
He also regularly writes for national papers and appears in pantomime.
Big Brother 5: Nadia Almada
YouTube/GettyAfter winning BB5, the store assistant from London returned for Ultimate Big Brother in 2010. She had several run-ins with rapper Coolio before being evicted 10th.
She’s since appeared on Come Dine With Me and Hollyoaks.
Big Brother 6: Anthony Hutton
Getty/TwitterAfter winning BB6, Anthony became a hair stylist before returning to TV as part of a task for Ultimate Big Brother, where he went on a date with fellow 2005 housemate Makosi Musambasi.
Anthony even released a workout video featuring his signature 1970s dance moves, but media and TV interviews have largely dried up since.
Big Brother 7: Pete Bennett
GettyPete, a singer from Brighton with Tourette’s syndrome, entered the house and won BB at the age of 24.
Afterwards, he released a successful autobiography, but says his appearance on the reality show meant that he found it impossible to get a job or be taken seriously for his music.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse and he ended up homeless, according to The Mirror.
Big Brother 8: Brian Belo
YouTube/GettyAfter winning BB in 2007, Brian released a single – called ‘Essex Boy’ – which failed to chart.
In 2008, he appeared in TV horror series Dead Set, starring both as himself and as a zombie.
In 2013, the Big Brother winner reached a settlement with ITV and Lime Pictures, after taking legal action against the makers of TOWIE – he claimed they stole the idea for the show from him.
Big Brother 9: Rachel Rice
GettyRachel’s Twitter bio reads: ‘Winner of Big Brother 9 and head of performing arts. Happily married to Rich and have an amazing son together called Lachlan. Love my family & friends x’.
The Welsh actress is now teaching drama at Abersychan Comprehensive School, according to the Daily Mail.
Big Brother 10: Sophie Reade
Getty/InstagramJust 20-years-old when she won Big Brother, the Cheshire glamour model has since appeared in Playboy.
Sophie’s Instagram says she’s a retired model, make-up artist and beauty therapist – and still loves a selfie.
Big Brother 11: Josie Gibson
YouTube/GettyJosie became a guest host on Channel 5 magazine series OK! TV and made quite a fortune due to her weight loss.
She now works as a personal trainer and nutritional advisor.
Her Twitter bio reads: “Personal Trainer, Nutritional advisor, creator of slimmables living green and clean!!”
Big Brother 12: Aaron Allard-Morgan
YouTubeSince leaving the house, Aaron has made several television appearances on OK! TV, The Wright Stuff and Big Brother’s Bit on the Side.
According to The Mirror, he is currently running a bar in Weston-super-Mare.
Big Brother 13: Luke Anderson
YouTube/TwitterChef Luke stole the hearts of Big Brother fans everywhere when he won the show in 2012 at the age of 31.
His Twitter bio reads: “Winner of Big Brother 2012 and Head Chef @Thealvanley”.
In 2012, Luke was voted number 10 in the Independent on Sunday pink list – a list of 101 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people that make a difference.
Big Brother 14: Sam Evans
Getty/TwitterThe former stock assistant, who was born with 70 to 80 per cent hearing loss according to the Daily Mail, is now a television star and suit model for company JR Events.
His Twitter bio says he is a “TV Personality. BB Winner 2013. FAW Ambassador & LFC fan”.
Big Brother 15: Helen Wood
YouTube/TwitterPreviously known for finding fame after having a threesome with Wayne Rooney, the escort became the shock winner of Big Brother’s 2014 series.
She’s now a controversial columnist for the Daily Star.
Big Brother 16: Chloe Wilburn
Getty/InstagramThe office administrator from Doncaster was last year’s winner – walking away with the £116,100 prize fund.
She told the Daily Mail she spent the money paying off her mum’s mortgage and is looking to buy a third house with the hopes of building up a property portfolio.
Since the show, she’s shunned the celebrity lifestyle and simply went back to work. Fair play.
