Big Brother Special: Here We BBRO Again

May 29 2004
Contestants gear up for toughest house rules ever
By Natalie Walker

YOU may not recognise them yet, but these are the 12 Big Brother contestants who will become household names over the next 10 weeks. They will spend the summer living together in full view of the public and already TV bosses promise the nastiest series yet.

Despite upping the prize money from £70,000 to £100,000, the group's weekly tasks will determine how much the winner scoops.

For each weekly challenge they fail to complete, £10,000 will be knocked off the final prize money.

So if they fail every task, the winner will be left with no cash.

Bosses at the show now in its fifth year--believe the outrageous mix of contestants will pull in higher viewing figures than ever before.

The hopefuls include a wannabe glamour girl, five students and an ex-nude model.

Also in the mix are a former Samaritan, a property developer and a radical political activist.

The group has already proved itself a rowdy bunch, with Scot Jason Cowan telling friends he will have sex on the show.

Bosses have dubbed the latest instalment of the reality show, Evil Big Brother. Shirley Jones, the executive producer, said: 'We're not running a holiday camp. The housemates aren't there to get a tan and have a rest.

'There will no lie-ins in BB5.'

The six men and six women have been banned from bringing as many clothes and toiletries into the house as in previous years.

They have also been stripped of any reading material and watches.

This year's house, built at Elstree, Hertfordshire, is much smaller than previously, making it difficult for contestants to hide from people they dislike.

It has been decorated with a garish colour scheme, designed to get on the nerves.

Bosses hope the claustrophobic conditions will lead to more fighting and fall-outs all designed to boost ratings.

There is only one bedroom for both sexes and two of the beds are doubles, meaning four contestants will have to share.

And there is no hiding place any more as cameras can see into the showers.

This year, the show will be on Channel 4 for 64 hours in its first fortnight almost twice as long as in 2003. Dermot O'Leary and Davina McCall return to host the shows.

BB4, labelled the Big Bore by many critics, clocked up only 38 hours in its first two weeks.

JASON

Age 30 From Glasgow Occupation Air stewardStatus Single Why Big BrotherFor the past five years I've had the same routine and going into the house will shake that up.

What's he like? A former binman and nudel model. Admits to being very vain and won Mr Best Buttcocks South Lanarkshire. Claims to have slept with more than 250 people.

VANESSA

Age 26 From Leeds Occupation Student Status Single Why Big BrotherIt is an incredible experience and few people will ever have the chance to try it. The opportunity comes at the right time in my life.What's she like? Originally from Cape Town, she moved to the UK six years ago. Says she is an adrenalin junkie and was South African archery champion.

EMMA

Age 20 From Oldham Occupation Administrator Status Single Why Big Brother Because I'm bored with my life and want to have some fun. Just here for a giggle.

What's she like? Formerly an entertainer in Spain and has been sacked from most of her previous jobs. She is a party animal and loves going out and meeting new people.

AHMED

Age 44 From Liverpool Occupation Developer Status Separated Why Big Brother I'm doing it to confirm my existence.

What's he like?

Originally from Somalia, but fled during the civil war. Came to UK as asylum seeker but is now a citizen. He speaks English, Italian, Arabic, Somali and Merkani and recently graduated from university with a law degree.

KITTEN

Age 24 From Brighton Occupation Activist Status In a relationship Why Big Brother I'm intrigued to be put in a situation where the power is completely taken away. I don't respond well to authority. I have no desire for fame but to earn a bit of money would be great.

What's she like? A human and animal rights activist who hates porn, George Bush and sexism. A strict vegetarian.

NADIA

Age 27 From Surrey Occupation Bank clerkStatus Single Why Big BrotherIt's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the world is not full of strangers, only friends that you are yet to meet.

What's she like? Born in Portugal, she moved to Britain eight years ago. Nadia is one of six children. Has worked in a department store and children's bookshop. Loves shopping, going out with friends and walks by the sea.

STUART

Age 20 From Macclesfield Occupation Student Status Single Why Big BrotherI just want the opportunity to spread a little love and stand up to the whole country and say: 'Hi, I'm Stu.'

What's he like? Stuart is studying psychology and plans to stay on at uni to do a master's degree. He and his pals call themselves team Handsome and Stuart says he plans to be a millionaire by the time he's 25.

VICTOR

Age 23 From London Occupation Gap-year student Status In a relationship Why Big Brother want to go in to to win the prize money and make it a good show. It's reality TV and you can't have reality TV without the realist person around.

What's he like? Claims his nicknames are The Milkman because he always delivers and Mr Slick because he always gets the job done. Says he's like Marmite because folk either love him or hate him.

MICHELLE

Age 23 From Newcastle Occupation Mortgage adviserStatus Single Why Big BrotherI want to enjoy the experience and the thrill of being in the Big Brother house. I hope I will be in there until the end.

What's she like? Michelle's ambition is to be a glamour model. She has worked as a shop assistant, chambermaid and make-up artist. Proudest achievement is dropping from a size 18 to a size 10.

JASON

Age 21 From GlasgowAge 30 From GlasgowOccupation Air Steward Why Big BrotherTo pay off mum's mortgage and so dad can see me on TV.

What's she like? Loves walks, architecture and galleries. She has been a life model and is training to become a sculptor.

For the past five years I've had the same routine and going into the house will shake that up.

MARCO

Age 21 From Middlesex Occupation Law studentStatus Single Why Big BrotherI want a really unique experience that will help me to learn about myself and what other people think of me. I also think it will be a laugh.

What's he like?Marco says's he the biggest bitch on the planet and a s*** stirrer. He's vice-president of the uni law society but has no intention of being a lawyer. He is a former Samaritan.

DANIEL

(Above) Age 30 From Hull Occupation Hairdresser Status Single Why Big Brother It's about time was unleashed upon the nation.

What's he like? Daniel is also a DJ, sings with an electro-disco band and does ju-jitsu five times a week. He claims only to sleep with straight men. He burns the candle at both ends and says he goes out pretty much every night.

If you recognise any of the housemates, call us today between 10am and 1pm on 0141 309 3251. Don't worry about the cost, we'll call you straight back. You can also text us on 07781 484422 or email us at reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk