Celebrity Big Brother is back with a bang for its 25th anniversary, and this year’s line-up promises explosive TV. The show, launching 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.’
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.
JoJo Siwa
At just 21, JoJo Siwa is one of the youngest housemates, but she brings major star power. First gaining fame through Dance Moms, she’s since become a global influencer with over 45 million followers on TikTok.
Known for her bold fashion, upbeat personality and LGBTQ+ advocacy, JoJo could shake things up in the house.
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.
Daley Thompson
Olympic gold medallist Daley Thompson is trading track events for reality TV. The 66-year-old decathlete once broke the world record four times and is considered one of Britain’s greatest athletes. Known for speaking his mind, his presence in the house could be polarising among younger contestants.
Angellica Bell
Angellica Bell, 49, is a familiar face to British TV audiences. After a long stint on CBBC, she co-hosted The Martin Lewis Show until her 2023 exit. She currently presents on Hits Radio and is expected to bring calm and clarity to the house’s chaos.
Chesney Hawkes
Best known for his 1991 chart-topping hit The One and Only, Chesney Hawkes, 53, is entering CBB as he gears up for a musical comeback. Sources suggest his return to the spotlight is perfectly timed, with a new album set for release.
Donna Preston
Donna Preston has carved a niche in UK comedy with appearances on Hey! Tracey!, Apocalypse Wow, and a cameo in Fantastic Beasts. The 38-year-old is expected to bring humour and unpredictable energy to the CBB house.
Jack P. Shepherd
Jack P. Shepherd has played David Platt on Coronation Street since 2000. Now 37, he's stepping away from the cobbles to enter reality TV. Having won multiple soap awards, fans will be curious to see how he fares outside scripted drama.
Ella Rae Wise
Ella Rae Wise, 24, made her name on The Only Way is Essex and is now stepping into the CBB spotlight. With a history of high-profile relationships and reality romance, producers are hoping for revelations and drama from the TV personality.
Danny Beard
Danny Beard, 32, is joining the house as a late entrant. Known for winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and for a headline-grabbing appearance on Big Brother: Late & Live, Danny promises glamour, opinions and a bit of edge.
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
