INTERVIEW
Big Brother star Imogen Thomas reflects on her time on the show and gives her opinion on the reboot
After five years off air, Big Brother has returned to the small screen to great acclaim, with the ITV reboot already being praised for its “insane casting” after its first week.
And one of the most memorable stars who found fame on the reality show is Imogen Thomas, who lasted 86 days in the famous house back in 2006.
Sharing her thoughts on the current series with Closer, Imogen – who starred alongside series seven champ Pete Bennett and the late Nikki Grahame – says, “I’m loving it. I saw the launch and was like, ‘This is an interesting bunch’. It’s so nice to watch something that’s so real. Obviously, we've got Love Island, where everyone going in is so stunning and they have the most amazing bodies, but it’s nice to watch real people doing real things. It’s refreshing.”
The 2023 line-up has also been lauded for its diversity, with viewers appreciating how the show is playing host to “big conversations” about identity and cultural differences.
HOT FAVOURITES
And there are two housemates in particular who Imogen, 40, thinks have what it takes to go the distance.
She says, “I really like Yinrun. There’s something about her that is quite special. I love her innocence and the way she genuinely just doesn’t know much about Big Brother and what she’s got herself into. She’s my favourite so far.”
Imogen adds, “I like Hallie as well.
I thought it was brave of her to come out straight away and say that she’s trans. She’s been true to herself.”
During her time on Big Brother, Imogen received 15 nominations, but ended up coming in seventh place. As well as building friendships with Nikki and Susie Verrico, she also enjoyed a steamy kiss with Sezer Yurtseven, and became embroiled in a heated row with Richard Newman after he called her “boring and dull”.
Reflecting on her time on the reality show, Imogen says that she would not rule out a second stint in the house.
HIGHS AND LOWS
“It was the best experience of my life. It’s set me up for life and I couldn’t ask for more,” she tells Closer. “But I’ve changed a lot in 17 years – I’m a lot more outspoken now. Back then, I didn’t want to offend anyone – now I have no problem doing that. I’d love to go on again and show them the real me.”
After Big Brother, mum-of-two Imogen – who hails from Wales but is now based in London with her daughters – ventured into glamour modelling, bagged numerous TV gigs, i
