At the launch of every Big Brother series viewers are promised the same, unimaginative things from eager housemates; controversy, candour and crudeness.
Celebrities are no different.
In fact, the (often tiny) bit of fame that these men and women have been exposed to seems to egg them on to be even more outlandish and frivolous than their muggle counterparts.
James Jordan
Nonetheless, while I’m prone to taking what bolshie contestants say on their VTs before entering the house with a pinch of salt, this batch of inmates look set to have the potential to be as explosive as any other.
Last night’s Celebrity Big Brother kicked off with White Dee from Channel 4’s Benefits Street walking into the house, closely followed by the self-proclaimed bad boy of ballroom, Strictly Come Dancing’s James Jordan.
Next saw former Emmerdale actress, Claire King, enter the house, with a Tornado following closely behind in the shape of former Gladiator, David McIntosh.
Former boxing promoter, Kellie Maloney, previously known as Frank Maloney, looked to be by far the most nervous entering the house.
Kellie Maloney
She was followed by professional boxer, Audley Harrison, who seemed unsure as to how he should address his old acquaintance, who is in the process of gender transition.
A host of reality TV stars then entered the house, including TOWIE’s Lauren Goodger, Gogglebox’s George Gilbey, The Hills’ and Made In Chelsea’s Stephanie Pratt and Geordie Shore’s Ricci Guarnaccio.
Edele Lynch, who was lead singer of 1990s pop band, B*Witched, also joined the house.
Stephanie Pratt
Contestants – because, let’s face it, whatever people say, it is a game and everybody wants to win – were in the house for barely two hours before they were given a secret task.
Dee was transformed into the Duchess of Solihull, with all but the final three housemates, American actor and playwright, Leslie Jordan, Playboy TV star and exotic dancer, Angelique ‘Frenchy’ Morgan and Hollywood actor, Gary Busey, being let in on the secret.
White Dee
Dee must convince the final three American housemates that she is 21st in line to the throne in order for the group to win their first task.
With such a mix of alpha males and plastic fantastic wannabes, launch night has set the bar of expectations very high. Let’s hope it doesn’t disappoint.
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