Big Brother, the trailblazer of reality TV, has once again captivated fans with its recent return to our screens. As we reminisce about the show's first series, which launched 23 years ago, we can't help but wonder which of the contestants have gone on to make the most cash. Let's delve into Big Brother's rich list and discover the mega-earners who have made a fortune from their time on the show.
Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond, a familiar face on TV, kick-started her career on Big Brother in 2002. Today, she is best known for co-hosting This Morning on Fridays alongside Dermot O'Leary. As a modest millionaire, Alison has also taken on roles such as co-hosting The Great British Bake Off and participating in Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celeb. She even made her film debut in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation.
Samanda
Remember Sam and Amanda Marchant, the runners-up in BB8? These blonde twins wasted no time in earning their first million. They achieved this through their own skincare and fragrance range, a fitness DVD, and a lucrative deal with Hello Kitty.
Josie Gibson
Josie Gibson, who won BB11, has since become a star on This Morning. She now shares a luxurious home with her toddler Reggie-James. Josie's fitness DVD even knocked Davina off the top of the charts, and she has also ventured into TV presenting, modeling, and launching her own perfume, all of which have made her a millionaire.
Brian Belo
BB8 winner Brian Belo returned for a second stint on the show in 2015. He claimed to have the idea for TOWIE and sued ITV and Lime Pictures, settling out of court for a rumored £1 million.
Kate Lawler
Kate Lawler, the show's first female winner, presented Channel 4's breakfast show RI:SE and modeled for lads' mags after leaving the Big Brother house. Today, the 43-year-old millionaire is a DJ on Virgin Radio.
Sophie Reade
Sophie Reade, who won BB10, made her mark by posing for Playboy. After becoming a mother, she returned to glamour modeling and now charges fans to watch her steamy videos on her website, amassing an estimated fortune of £1.5 million.
Nick Bateman
Despite being booted off BB1 for cheating, "Nasty Nick" managed to turn his experience into a lucrative career. Nick made £2 million through magazine deals, TV appearances, and his book, How To Be A Right B*****d. He wisely invested in property and now resides in Sydney, Australia.
Imogen Thomas
Former Miss Wales Imogen Thomas won hearts on BB7, which subsequently boosted her modeling career. She was named one of the richest housemates, with a whopping fortune of £2.9 million. Imogen, now 40 years old, has a beautiful Edwardian home in West London and previously ran a successful swimwear brand, Chasing Summer.
Brian Dowling
Ex-Ryanair steward Brian Dowling, who won season two, transitioned into a TV presenter role, co-hosting SMTV with Cat Deeley before returning to Big Brother as the host. His string of telly gigs helped him amass a fortune of around £3 million. Brian recently competed in Ireland's Dancing With The Stars.
Craig Phillips
Craig Phillips, the chirpy builder who entered Big Brother to raise money for his friend's heart and lung transplant, went on to become the show's first winner and its richest man. With a property empire and appearances on DIY shows like 60 Minute Makeover and Big Strong Boys, Craig's estimated fortune exceeds £6 million.
There you have it, the Big Brother rich list. From Alison Hammond to Brian Dowling, these contestants have proven that the reality TV realm can be a lucrative one for those who make their mark.
