Telly 6th October 2023 by Jade Hayden
All Of The Irish Big Brother Contestants You Definitely Forgot About
Spiral, anyone?
Big Brother is coming back – and soon.
Yep, the ITV2 reboot of the king of reality TV is just around the corner, and it’s safe to say, we are pumped.
This new batch of housemates have yet to be revealed, so while we wait, why not take a stroll down memory lane and recall all of the Irish housemates over the years that you definitely forgot about?
1. Brian Dowling
Alright, so no one’s going to forget about the king that is Brian Dowling, but they may forget that he actually won Big Brother back in its second year.
The Kildare native emerged victorious not once, but twice (!) after returning for Ultimate Big Brother back in 2010. Fair play to him.
2. Anna Nolan
Before Brian, there was Anna. The Dubliner took part in the first ever series of the reality show back in 2000, eventually coming second after Craig Phillips.
Presenter Anna later said that she previously denied being “Anna from Big Brother”, but has since begun to embrace the title.
3. Orlaith McCallister
Model Orlaith appeared on Big Brother in 2005. From Belfast (and a runner-up Miss Northern Ireland, don’t you know), Orlaith now works as a real estate agent.
She told the Telegraph back in 2019 that she loved her experience on the show. “You have different chapters in your life and that was just one of the chapters of my life that I would never change,” she said.
4. Spiral
“I’d do aaanything to you” – back in 2006 DJ Spiral (real name Glen Coroner) entered the BB house as a latecomer, and spent his time on the show rapping and talking about growing up in Finglas.
Glen was evicted after 28 days in house and has since gone on to criticise the later series of the show for being desperate for ratings. Fair.
5. Ray Shah
Yes, DJ Ray Shah is also a BB alum. The RTÉ Pulse presenter appeared on the show’s fourth instalment back in 2003, and was working in IT at the time.
Since leaving the house, Ray has gone onto work with Q102, iRadio, and Dublin City Channel (remember that?)
6. Noirin Kelly
Dubliner Noirin appeared on BB back in 2009, and was a firm favourite among housemates. She was evicted on Day 58 and now has two kids, a husband, and works for LK Bennett.
7. Hughie Maughan
He may be best known for his appearances on First Dates and his general social media presence, but Dubliner Hughie first rose to prominence on Big Brother 17.
He has since gone onto raise awareness for mental health within the Traveller community and take part in Dancing With The Stars.
10. Seany O’Kane
Michael Jackson superfan Seany landed into the Big Brother house back in 2007, pushed someone into a pool, and then left.
He now lives in Moscow and works as a sex therapist.
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