Revamped Celeb BBUK launches

All-star line up "hijack" the house

Note: this article contains some spoilers

Big Brother UK has returned with a brand new interpretation of the format, Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack.

Following last year’s well documented incidents surrounding Celebrity Big Brother, along with a poorly rated Big Brother 8, the winter edition of the series has been radically overhauled, putting celebrities in charge of proceedings and giving them complete control over the housemates.

The 12 housemates have been specially cast by the producers as young and gifted prodigies, all aged from 18-21. They include a MOBO nominated singer, an award winning artist and a junior World boxing champion.

Celebrity Hijack housemates

From left to right:
Jeremy, 19, Racing Driver
Nathan, 21, Singer song-writer
Jay, 19, Fashion Designer
Amy, 21, Conceptual Artist
Latoya, 19, Dancer
Victor, 19, Circus Performer
John, 20, Politician
Emilia, 18, Circus Performer (Victor’s sister)
Liam, 19, Entreprenaur
Anthony, 19, Boxer
Calista, 19, Classical Musician
Jade, 21, Beauty Queen and child genius

Dermot O’Leary hosts proceeding and the celebrity hijacking began even before the first housemate enters. Little Britain comedian Matt Lucas was first to take the reigns as Big Brother, choosing one of the 12 housemates to enter first and then complete a secret mission.

Scottish politician John was the chosen housemate, with Matt then calling him to the diary room to give him a secret ear piece. John’s every move throughout the launch show was then at the instruction of Matt, who instructed him to claim he wrote the Sound of Music to classical musician Calista, massage and hug boxer Anthony soon after he arrived and be over apologetic to circus siblings Victor and Emilia, before claiming to Jeremy he’d snogged Emilia already. He also accused Latoya of being a disgrace to dancing, collapsed with cramp when Nathan arrived and began randomly shouting “cake” when Liam entered the house.

By the end of the show John’s mission was revealed to the other housemates - and as Big Brother Matt Lucas had sole discretion in determining whether he passed - and won a place in the final, or failed - and would face each and every eviction vote. “Big Matt” decided he had passed - and therefore has immunity throughout the series, though any subsequent hijacker could change the rules at any time.

Matt Lucas hijacking continued through to the second day of the series, with footballer Ian Wright, actor Alan Cumming and Osbourne Kelly Osbourne having a stint over the next few days.

Comedian Joan Rivers and American Idol’s Paula Abdul are also confirmed as future hijackers of the month long show.

And it appears to be so far, so good. Although a move from it’s traditional home of Channel 4 has hit ratings, the response to the launch show has been largely positive by both the fans and the press - with many claiming it to be “the best launch show ever”.

Celebrity hijack HMs

Take a look around the house and get more details here, and you can also discuss the latest events in our International Forum. For more BBUK news and gossip, take a look at BBSpy.