Celebrity Big Brother returned to our screens on Tuesday night (January 2), with an all-female lineup – celebrating 100 years since women won the right to vote.
Fans were skeptical of the twist when they first heard about it, but it turned out to work rather quite well. We’ve seen intelligent conversations and interesting debates between the eight women, all in a respectful manner.
These eight women are: Soap legend Amanda Barrie (82), former politician Ann Widdecombe (70), TV presenter Ashley James (30), newsreader India Willoughby (52), model Jess Impiazzi (28), former DC Maggie Oliver (62), TV personality Malika Haqq (34) and journalist Rachel Johnson (52).
Before the live launch on Tuesday had ended, the women were all in the task building competing live to win immunity from the first eviction. They were split into teams of two and tasked with rewiring a series of (fake) fuses. Amanda and Jess were the first to complete the challenge and were therefore awarded immunity.
Who gets immunity? The first task of the series gives two women the power to survive the first eviction… #CBB pic.twitter.com/Fuu2GwwPCA
— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) January 2, 2018
Over the course of the next few days the women were all bonding, with India discussing her transition, to Amanda revealing the discrimination she’s faced during her life. Rachel and India have become even that close that Rachel asked “can I see your t*ts,” to which India obligingly did.
However, the house didn’t last harmonious for long; When India decided to jokingly say that her mum named her after a takeaway, Ann muttered the words “he’s only pulling your leg!”. India pulled Ann up on her slip up later that night, and Ann apologised, confirming it was indeed a mistake.
Thursday night’s episode seen more slip ups from the women, with Ann, Rachel and Amanda misgendering India. But only India was in the room for Amanda mistakenly addressing her as a ‘he’, and became upset that Amanda “chuckled” after making the error. Later that night India refused to accept an apology from Amanda, who said she is the least prejudice because of herself being a member of the LGBT community.
After having the house to themselves for the past three days, on Friday night (January 5) it was time for the women to welcome the men into the house!
They are The Apprentice candidate Andrew Brady (27), comedian Daniel O’Reilly (33), singer Ginuwine (47), Love Island star Jonny Mitchell (26), ex-footballer John Barnes (54), performing artist Shane Jenek/ Courtney Act (35), Boyzone’s Shane Lynch (41) and ballet dancer Wayne Sleep (69).
Last night’s episode saw the men settle into their new home, but they weren’t made too welcome as Big Brother revealed they would now be doing all the work around the Elstree bungalow. The women assigned them jobs, and they are: Wayne & Ginuwine as the Butlers, John & Shane L as the Chefs, Shane J & Andrew as the House Cleaners and Jonny & Daniel as the Bathroom Cleaners.
Towards the end of the episode India was left yet again upset and frustrated. This time, however, it was with Ginuwine, who admitted he wouldn’t go out with a transgender woman, and he refused to give her a kiss when she made an advance towards him.
The action continues in the Celebrity Big Brother house on tonight’s show from 9pm on Channel 5. We’ll have another recap for you next Sunday!