Big Brother legend and trans trailbrazerĀ Nadia Almada has shared her excitement about the rebooted series and admits she wants to be involved.
The iconic reality showĀ is set to return later this year with a whole host of new contestants. Nadia, 46, shot to fame in 2004 and won the fifth series of Big Brother taking home the Ā£60k prize pot.
What was your first thought when you heard Big Brother was coming back to UK screens?
Oh my god. Itās like a cat ā how many lives does the show have? It never seems to die (laughs). Over the years, Iāve had a bit of a love and hate relationship with the show, but on this occasion, Iām delighted that it is coming back.
I think that ITV will elevate the show. I do hope that it borrows the essence of the original series ā that is what all of the reports say that this show will be a throwback to the older versions of the programme. I really hope that is the case. I hope the show celebrates diversity, inclusivity and representation of our social cultural existence that is reflected in todayās society.
“When I went onto the show as a trans woman, I was the first person to ever really do that and, because of the time, some things were a little bit difficult.”
The best thing about the original seriesā of the show was that it celebrated real people, normal housemates from all walks of life. That is what I hope the show returns to.
Love Island has been a huge success in recent years. I found it difficult to relate to the show because of the type of people that were on there ā there was a lack of representation ā whereas Big Brother should celebrate and champion diversity.
Itās a real show featuring real people. Big Brother is the founding father of reality TV.
What advice would you give to the new housemates?Ā
Most people have great stories to tell. I think the most important thing is to be yourself and have character. We know that Big Brother can be an intense experience for the housemates, so Iām sure that the casting team will be able to find the right people to be part of it. Nobody should go in there thinking that you wonāt be manipulated in some way by Big Brother. Everyone is.
There were reports that a few familiar faces may return to the Big Brother house as part of the ITV reboot. What can you tell us about that?Ā
Iāve spoken about this a few times since ITV announced they were going to bring back the show. I feel like myself and other contestants from the Channel 4 series should be part of it because we were the OGās.
We have a lot of wisdom that we can pass on. Weāre like Olympic athletes ā this is the Olympics of Big Brother! Weāre ready to pass the torch on to the next generation of contestants.
Iāve been manifesting. Iāve been thinking about being involved and I feel that we would have a lot to offer.
I am really excited about it coming back. My mother is obsessed with the Portuguese version of the show ā it has been on for years ā and she asked me to apply for that version! Iām like, āMother! That is impossible, darling.ā (Laughs). Hopefully I can tell her that I can be part of the new UK version. That would be a real honour for me.
It would be nice to acknowledged by the show. Weāre ready to come back and show the kids how itās done (laughs). I have a Gen X mentality but a Gen Z entitlement (laughs)! Iām way ahead of the times (laughs).
What impact did winning Big Brother have on your life?Ā
When you walk through those doors of such an iconic show, things will always change for you. Being one of the original housemates and also a winner of Big Brother 5, I was propelled to a platform of huge notoriety and fame.
I did notice that some of the people around me changed. It wasnāt anyoneās fault really, but it is understandable when your life completely changes overnight. A lot of my friends had to adjust to that.
“I hope the show celebrates diversity, inclusivity and representation of our social cultural existence that is reflected in todayās society.”Ā
In the end, my life changed, but you have to remember that this was pre social media and Big Brother was the most popular show on the television at the time ā traditional newspapers and magazines were a lot more influential than they are now ā which is very different to todayās world.
When I went onto the show as a trans woman, I was the first person to ever really do that and, because of the time, some things were a little bit difficult. Iāve still been the first of many things for the trans community twenty years on from the show, but weāre visible. Weāre present in all aspects of society.
I got to meet wonderful people and work with a lot of them. It gave me an insight into a very different world. I canāt change the past, but I do not regret a thing.
Do you keep in touch with anyone from your series?Ā
I do. There is one person in particular that I am still close with ā we see each other all the time ā and that is Marco. He works in law now and he lives a very linear lifestyle now, but he is still the Marco that I know and love from the show.
Everyone else kind of moves on. Geographically, with some of us, its impossible to catch-up. One out of twelve is not too bad (laughs). Itās all about quality not quantity (laughs).
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