The Big Brother returned to ITV on Sunday with a whole host of new housemates. 

King Charles' former butler, joined an amputee footballer and lesbian psychologist for the original social experiment as 16 strangers entered the iconic house where they will spend the next six weeks. 

Hosts AJ Odudu, 36, and Will Best, 39, were also back, despite fears the pair would miss the live launch after it was revealed they were both suffering from separate illnesses.  

The first show saw the diverse line up introduce themselves to each other and the nation as they began the battle for the show's £100K prize. 

Here are the new housemates.....  

Name: Nathan

Age: 24

From: Dumfries

Occupation: Pork Salesman and former butler to King Charles

Nathan revealed he was once King Charles' butler at Dumfries House before becoming a pork salesman. 

During his video introduction he also shared that he 'admired' Nigel Farage and was a 'right leaning voter'. 

Asked what kind of housemate he'll be Nathan said: 'I will bring a lot of opinions. I like to have a spirited debate. 

'I’m quite a strong character. If I think something’s wrong, I’ll call it out as being wrong - I’m not afraid to do that'.

Name: Rosie

Age: 29

From: Cornwall

Occupation: Dental Assistant

Rosie branded herself a 'tea addict' who in the past has been described as 'weird'.

Speaking about she can bring to the house, she said: 'I’m hoping it’s going to be a little something different. I think I’m going to bring positive energy. I am a good listener and I can be there to support people - I’m a supportive person' 

Asked if she had a strategy to make the final Rosie admitted:  'No! I think it’s about being your most authentic self. The viewers aren’t dumb - they can sniff out manufactured drama'.

Name: Emma

Age: 53

From: Altrincham

Occupation: Aesthetics Business owner 

Emma claimed she was going to bring 'peace and harmony' to the house, but admitted there was also a chance she could cause some drama. 

'I would like to think I’m the peacemaker. People ask me if I’m going to be the mother hen in the house - I might have times where I’m the mother hen but generally speaking I’ll be one of the girls. I don’t think I really act my age when I really should so I can’t see myself acting my age in Big Brother. 

Before confessing: 'If somebody doesn’t get my humour then they might think ‘she’s really abrupt and to the point and says it how it is’ but that’s my humour. I’m still going to be me in there but sometimes I may come across as abrupt or say "'get over yourself"'. 

Name: Segun

Age: 25

From: Watford

Occupation: Charity Videographer

Segun spoke about his Christian faith as he entered the house and admitted to being a 'mummy's boy' before quipping he may find a 'new mummy' during his time on the show.

Speaking about his strategy to make it to the final he said: 'My strategy is to be at peace with everyone in the house. I just want to be at peace with everybody no matter how far I make it in the show'. 

Name: Daze

Age: 24

From: London

Occupation: Climate Activist

During her chat with hosts AJ and Will before entering the house, Daze admitted she would hate to live with a housemate who doesn't believe in climate change. 

Asked what may result in her being nominated for eviction, she confessed: 'Food! I like food a lot. I know that can sometimes be a contentious thing in the house. So I’m going to try to not eat too much'.

And when it came to what she'd do with the grand prize, she said: 'It’s been a difficult financial period for me – climate activism is quite often something you do in debt. It would be nice to have money to do the work'. 

Name: Khaled

Age: 23

From: Manchester

Occupation: Sales Manager

Khaled is an amateur boxer and claimed he didn't know what Big Brother was signing up to the show and has 'no interest' in being famous.

'I’m Lebanese and Palestinian and I thought this would be a great platform to discuss it from the point of view of someone that grew up in the west and has Middle Eastern heritage'. 

Asked what he'd bring to the house Khaled said: 'I’m very honest. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m really into Adlerian Psychology and Philosophy – Socrates, Plato – which you wouldn’t expect from a guy who gets punched in the head for a living'.

Name: Martha

Age: 26

From: Scarborough, originally from Margate

Occupation: NHS Administrator

Martha has admitted watching the show from a young age and has 'always been a little in your face and a bit dramatic' which may or may not help her in the house. 

When asked what is the reason she is most likely to be nominated, Martha concluded: 'Probably being the most annoying, or most loud'. 

'It also turns out that sometimes I snore – which I wasn’t aware of. That might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back'. 

Name: Lily

Age: 20

From: Warrington

Occupation: Chinese Takeaway Server

Lily is another housemate who had 'never heard' of Big Brother, and said she applied to appear on the show as it was her ex's favourite programme.

'When we broke up, I saw the advert and I thought I’m going to apply for his favourite TV show and get on it - I didn’t think I would. I also think it will be a cool experience'. 

Asked why she would likely be nominated for eviction she quipped:  'Probably that I’m annoying but I don’t care'.

Name: Ali

Age: 38

From: London, originally from Leicester

Occupation: Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologist Ali described herself as a 'late in life lesbian' and admitted she would be using her skills to analyse her fellow housemates, however she also said this could put her in the firing line.

'I can be quite direct. And it doesn’t always land well – that could well get me nominated. I also suspect that people might be a little suspicious of me because I’m a psychologist'.  

Speaking about her strategy to win she revealed: 'The main way to keep yourself safe seems to be not getting internal votes so you’re not put up for eviction in the first place. Hopefully getting people on side and being liked'.

Name: Thomas

Age: 20

From: Carlisle

Occupation: Amputee Footballer

Thomas described himself as a 'very energetic, always lively person' who 'hates silence' and joked he can always win a game of rock, paper, scissors due to him being born without a hand.

He also claimed that fellow housemates who say they signed up to the show for the experience are 'lying' claiming they all had their eye on the £100K prize.

Candidly revealing his strategy, he said: ' I think it’s important to try and have those connections but I believe a lot of them can be quite fake but that's important in the show - play the game, play the environment'.

Name: Ryan

Age: 28

From: Stockport, originally from Blackpool

Occupation: Marketing and Events

During his introduction VT Ryan hit out at 'woke' culture and described himself as very 'straight talking'. 

He also said that while he 'to be quite quick-witted' this can often see him 'fall on his arse' as a result of his 'dad jokes'.

Guessing the biggest reason why he may be nominated, Ryan said: 'Maybe [I'm] a bit loud and some people don’t like jokes all the time. People might think I don’t take anything too seriously'. 

Name: Hannah

Age: 24

From: West London

Occupation: HR Consultant

Hannah said she was equal parts bougie and ghetto, while also declaring herself to be a 'huge drama queen'.

She said she was ready to bring her ‘pure vibes’ to the house and is so empathetic she bursts into tears when her friends cry.  

Before declaring: 'I feel like whoever nominates is just a hater, babes! I think it might be my opinions that people nominate me for'.

Name: Izaaz

Age: 29

From: London, originally Swansea

Occupation: Sales Consultant

Izaaz says he is unlikely to fall out with his fellow housemates as he will bring a 'lot of happiness and kindness' to the show. 

Speaking about why he may be nominated, he said: 'I might be a bit straightforward. I say it is as it is. For example, if someone isn’t doing something then I’ll tell that person instead of beating around the bush'.

Izaaz also gave a shout out to  five-year-old son named Omari before he entered the house, who he called his ‘best friend’.

Name: Sarah

Age: 27

From: Shrewsbury

Occupation: Spa Account Manager

Sarah confessed she signed up to Big Brother in a bid to do 'one more crazy thing' before settling down and having kids with her partner.

'I’m never one to shy away from asking people’s opinions even if it’s controversial. I think I’d be a good chair for good conversations, and instigate some good entertainment for us all'. 

But it's the fact thats she can be 'too loud, annoying and messy' which she said could land her on the wrong side of her housemates. 

Name: Marcello

Age: 34

From: East London

Occupation: Youth Mentor

Marcello is not only a youth mentor but also a  rapper and impressed hosts Will and AJ with his skills ahead of entering the iconic house. 

'From the moment I wake up I’m buzzing. I wake up full of love. I love having banter with people, I love winding people up. I’m cheeky, sarcastic but also very loving'. 

He also teased that he hopes to have a 'bromance' or even embark on a 'romance' during his time in Big Brother.  

Name: Dean

Age: 35

From: East London

Occupation: Barber

Dean said he is 'obsessed' Big Brother it's been his dream to enter the iconic house since the tender age of 11.

He said that while he may look ‘demure’ he isn’t afraid to speak up and doesn’t get on with ‘manly men’.

'I’ll probably be nominated because I can be annoying. Sometimes if there’s a silence I like to fill it. I’ll probably get nominated for talking too much'. 

Viewers were treated to a glimpse of the Big Brother house earlier this week, which has had a psychedelic makeover since the last series. 

With bold new colour keep and revamped interior, housemates will enjoy luxurious kitchen and a jacuzzi, as well as a very unique diary room chair.

For the show's second run on ITV2, the chair has had a huge revamp and taken on a very vibrant new look to match the rest of the house.

Looking like it's been drenched in paint, it follows a rainbow colour scheme of yellow, pink, orange, red, and blue.

It features a soft blue seat and the splattered paint dramatically extends onto the floor for this year's piece of furniture. 

It comes after last year's Big Brother chair was shaped like a eye, boasting an orange seat, and accents of red and blue.

As contestants entered the new house they were met with a neon orange and yellow staircase featuring giant paint splatters as they take their first steps inside.

Meanwhile, the new living room follows a bright orange and red theme, with a huge yellow sofa where all the new housemates will be gossiping this weekend. 

The bathroom has also undergone a transformation with the old blue sea-theme swapped out in favour of deep green and hot pinks, with a circular bathtub. 

Elsewhere, the kitchen features the same layout, with a huge breakfast bar in the centre, but the old white brick work has been covered with blue tiles and a matching circular bar now stands in the middle, with gold accents. 

And while the house is ready to go, it seems the show could be set for a chaotic opening, as both hosts have come down with ailments ahead of the launch show on Sunday night.

This year's launch had initially been thrown into doubt after both hosts AJ and Will, who are retuning for a second series, were revealed to both be suffering with individual illnesses.

He explained that he has been hit by a 'stiff neck' that means he is struggling to move his head and was forced to visit an emergency physiotherapist.

Speaking to presenters Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby, Will explained: 'Yeah, I’ve got a stiff neck. It’s a bit better today, yesterday was bad, I’ve got an emergency physio in a couple of hours after this.'

Poking fun at the inconvenient timing, he added: 'It’s always good to just before the biggest show of the year, when you’re going to be live for six weeks, with all kinds of mad stuff, to not be able to move. 

'So I’m sorry Chris I can’t really look at you [laughs], you’re on the wrong side!'

Sian then joked: 'That’s why we got you a spinny chair, so you can move your whole body,' causing Will to quip back: 'I can just present the live show on one of these!'

However, he added that he couldn't even lean on his co-host for support as AJ has 'lost her voice'

Will said: 'AJ’s lost her voice as well, yeah sorry, I saw her yesterday, we did a podcast record. That’s why she’s not doing radio today!'

He admitted that he was 'nervous' about the live launch, but insisted it was down to his love of the show and desire to make sure it all went smoothly.

He explained: 'Yeah of course I get nervous, because, I love this show so much, so I’m nervous that we’re going to do it justice, the format justice, I’m nervous how the housemates will do.

'But once we get to Sunday, just before we go live, the nerves sort of disappear. I can’t wait to meet these people.'

Meanwhile fans were left fuming after after it was teased that Joey Essex veteran would be featuring on the new series - with viewers saying they were sick of him showing up on their TV screens.

The former TOWIE star, 34, is fresh off of filming the most recent summer series of Love Island and will now be making an appearance on Sunday night's episode of Big Brother: Late & Live, ahead of the live launch.

Following the backlash it has now been revealed that the reality star will only be featuring in a video advertisement for the series, alongside Selling Sunset's Chelsea Lazkani.

The clip sees Chelsea doing a viewing of the iconic Big Brother house with Joey, in a bid to sell him the property.

Showing him around, Joey remarks: 'Oh, it's lovely, it's beautiful. It's really, really demure. What does demure mean again?'

Looking around the kitchen, he comments that he's 'done MasterChef twice', before checking out the lavish bedroom where the housemates will be sleeping. 

Flirting up a storm together, Chelsea and Joey dive into the kingsize bed and test the firmness of the mattress, as Joey says: 'You don't want to be bouncing up too much.'

Chelsea quips back: 'Why would you bouncing up and down?' as Joey flirtily responds: 'I don't know you tell me.'

Turning up the heat, Chelsea then admits: 'You know Joey, you're the first client I've ever jumped into bed with.'

The pair then check out the bathroom, where the estate agent reveals that the showers are full equipped with microphones, so that the housemates every move can be heard.

Jumping into the shower, Joey is anxious to make sure that he is at least blocked from view from the chest down, saying: 'Like if I'm showering, you can see me now, but this bit can you see anything? Like can you not see nothing?' 

As Chelsea bursts out laughing and refuses to answer, Joey demands: 'Can you see it or not? Where are you going? It can't be transparent!'.

Finishing the tour, Joey admits: 'I love it. I'm sold, I'll put in an offer', however Big Brother interrupts to fume: 'This is Big Brother. Chelsea, Joey, my house is not for sale. You have been evicted,' causing to duo to quickly exit.

Reacting to the video, fans voiced their relief at discovering that Joey was only in the Big Brother house briefly for a promo.  

They wrote: 'Oh thank god it was just for a promo. I was frightened that Joey would be a housemate for a second there!'

'Thank god it’s just an ad; Glad he was for a promo instead of being one of the housemates!'

Big Brother continues Monday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX 

BIG BROTHER 2024: MEET THE CONTESTANTS!

EMMA 

AGE : 53

FROM: Altrincham, originally Essex

OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Business owner 

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LIKELY TO GET NOMINATED FOR?  If somebody doesn’t get my humour then they might think ‘she’s really abrupt and to the point and says it how it is’ but that’s my humour.

ROSIE 

AGE: 29

FROM: Cornwall (originally Essex)

OCCUPATION: Dental Assistant 

DO YOU HAVE A STRATEGY FOR MAKING IT TO THE FINAL? No! I think it’s about being your most authentic self. The viewers aren’t dumb - they can sniff out manufactured drama.

NATHAN 

AGE: 24

FROM: Dumfries

OCCUPATION: Pork Salesman and King Charles' former butler

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LIKELY TO GET NOMINATED FOR?  Accidentally offending someone – someone taking something I’ve said the wrong way. Not a terrible offence, but if someone takes something I said the wrong way.

 

SEGUN 

AGE: 25

FROM: Watford

OCCUPATION: Charity Videographer

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BRING TO THE HOUSE?  I think I’ll bring energy, comedic energy, vitality and a lot of entertainment and being uplifting.

 

DAZE 

AGE: 24

FROM: London

OCCUPATION: Climate Activist

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE MONEY IF YOU WON? It’s been a difficult financial period for me – climate activism is quite often something you do in debt. It would be nice to have money to do the work 

KHALED

AGE: 23

FROM: Manchester

OCCUPATION: Sales Manager

WHY DID YOU APPLY TO BE ON THIS NEW SERIES OF BIG BROTHER? I didn’t actually know what Big Brother was.  I thought it’s a new opportunity in life. I have no interest in being famous.

MARTHA 

AGE: 26

FROM: Scarborough, originally from Margate

OCCUPATION: NHS Administrator

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT BEING A HOUSEMATE? Definitely sitting on the Diary Room chair. That is a bucket list ticked off. Also just experiencing that isolation. I’m going to really enjoy not having my phone. I just love not having that responsibility.

LILY 

AGE: 20

FROM: Warrington

OCCUPATION: Chinese Takeaway Server

 WHAT ARE YOU MOST LIKELY TO GET NOMINATED FOR? Probably that I’m annoying but I don’t care.

ALI 

AGE: 38

FROM: London

OCCUPATION: Forensic Psychologist

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT BEING A HOUSEMATE? Just being away and thrown into a totally new environment, completely different to anything I’ve done before, completely different to anything I’ll ever do in the future.

THOMAS 

AGE: 20

FROM: Carlisle

OCCUPATION: Amputee Footballer

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LIKELY TO GET NOMINATED FOR? One of my bad traits is that I speak a lot. I do a lot of talking without thinking. In myself I never get offended, you can say anything about me - I’ve already heard it before.

RYAN 

AGE: 28

FROM: Stockport 

OCCUPATION: Marketing and Events

WHY DID YOU APPLY TO BE ON THIS NEW SERIES OF BIG BROTHER? I’ve always been a fan of the show - it’s been a bit of a childhood dream to go on it.

HANNAH 

AGE: 24

FROM: West London

OCCUPATION: HR Consultant

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LIKELY TO GET NOMINATED FOR? I feel like whoever nominates is just a hater, babes! I think it might be my opinions that people nominate me for.

IZAAZ

AGE: 29

FROM: London, originally Swansea

OCCUPATION: Sales Consultant

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BRING TO THE HOUSE? I’ll bring a lot of happiness and kindness. I reckon I’ll be there for a lot of people. I’m not the type of person to fall out with anyone and if I did, I’d make up for it.

SARAH 

AGE: 27

FROM: Shrewsbury

OCCUPATION: Spa Account Manager

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE MONEY IF YOU WON? A few different things. One, I’d have my dream wedding. Two, go on a nice holiday. And three, maybe start my own business.

MARCELLO

AGE: 34

FROM: East London

OCCUPATION: Youth Mentor

DO YOU HAVE A STRATEGY FOR MAKING IT TO THE FINAL? Not at all. I’m going to show love, I’m going to be myself and that’s all I can do. 

DEAN 

AGE: 35

FROM: East London

OCCUPATION: Barber

WHY DID YOU APPLY TO BE ON THIS NEW SERIES OF BIG BROTHER? I’ve been a fan for the longest time. I’ve wanted to do it from the age of 11 and never had the confidence to do it. As I got older, I was still obsessed with the show and as soon as it came back it was ‘this is my time to apply’.