Brian Dowling Asks Why He’s Been ‘Erased’ As Big Brother Host

Brian Dowling Pic: Brian McEvoy

Big Brother returned to our screens after five years!

And of course, it was the perfect opportunity to take a trip down memory lane as fans and contestants remembering some of the most iconic moments.

Our very own, Brian Dowling, got his start on Big Brother back in the early noughties.

And Brian took to Instagram to remember his time in the house as well as how his life changed.

“Tonight is the night & some may even say, the long-awaited return of Big Brother. I’ve posted so much stuff on here over the years regarding winning Big Brother in 2001 & also winning Ultimate Big Brother in 2010 both of these opportunities 100% changed my life,” he wrote

“I have the ABSOLUTE BEST MEMORIES EVER as a housemate. I then went on to host the show for six seasons, the first man to host Big Brother!

“This pic was taken just before we recorded the pilot for Celebrity Big Brother in August 2011. I don’t remember the exact date, but the show officially started on August 18th & this was just a few days beforehand. It’s so odd looking back at myself with no beard. I think just over 8 million people tuned in to watch the first live show. We had some INCREDIBLE HOUSEMATES.”

However, it wasn’t all good memories as he pointed out that he is often left out when people talk about Big Brother presenters.

 

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A post shared by Brian Dowling Gourounlian (@bprdowling)

He stepped into the role after Davina McCall left in 2007.

“From crowning Luke Anderson the winner to ICONS like Denise Welch, Julian Clary, Heidi & Spencer & of course Rylan. I was only 33 years old when I was offered the job of hosting the main show. I, of course, said yes, even though it was the spin-off show I wanted & not the main show.

“But I would have been a fool to turn it down. Speaking honestly, I always feel some people like to change history & try & erase the fact I hosted the show directly after Davina [McCall] & then it went to Emma [Willis].

“Just recently, on Friday’s This Morning, for example. The new hosts of Big Brother AJ [Odudu] & Will [Best] were being interviewed & they were asked if they had spoken to ‘Emma & Davina’ obviously as the ex hosts & then their pics were brought up on screen. Yet again, there wasn’t even a mention of my time hosting, or even anyone on the production team that would have at least flagged that I was also an ex-presenter.”

Brian Dowling & Arthur Gourounlian Pic: Evan Doherty for VIP Magazine

He went on to say: “It would have been so lovely to have been included, or to even get a thumbs up from my peers would be INCREDIBLE I find it so odd that this keeps happening.”

Brian concluded his post by writing: “[My husband] Arthur [Gourounlian] & I have our book coming out on the 26th of October this month & I go into much more detail surrounding this time of my life as the host of Big Brother & the aftermath and the impact it had on my life.”

“I think AJ is a FABULOUS choice as a host. I don’t know Will, but he seems like a lot of fun. I would like to wish them both the best of luck as the new hosts.”

And of course, he was inundated with messages from his famous pals showing their support.

“Well, there’s one thing I know, and it’s 100% accurate. No one EVER won BB twice and went to host for six seasons. I LOVE YOU and so so PROUD of you,” his husband Arthur wrote.

“I remember sitting at the edge of the eye backstage watching you go out and on that stage and taking on that massive crowd when you took on the gig first, no easy feat and most defo a proud moment to be remembered! Still the ultimate housemate!” Donal Skehan added.

“You’re an icon!” Laura Whitmore commented.

Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on Virgin Media One.

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