Love it or loathe it, the Big Brother house has been opened to the public for the first time as part of the National Trust's London Project. 

Former housemates were welcomed back to the purpose-built house at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood to mark the launch of the project last night.

Among the alumni of the reality show were supermodel Sophie Anderton, antiques specialist Lauren Harries, controversial housemate and celebrity publicist Dexter Koh and Liam McGough, who now works as a tree surgeon in north London.

To see photos from last night’s launch visit out picture gallery here:

Six hundred members of the public will be given guided tours of the house today and tomorrow as part of the trust's London Project, which aims to attract a younger audience to its heritage sites.

Many people have criticised the three-day event, claiming the Big Brother house is not worthy of the trust’s recognition and that it is encouraging a culture of reality television.

However, Ivo Dawney, London director of the National Trust, told the Borehamwood Times how he is encouraging the debate – whether good or bad.