Age: 23 From: Croydon Occupation: Accounts executive
A single mother, who had her daughter when she was 16, Alexandra was raised a Christian but converted to Islam a few years ago. However, she says she is now a non-practising Muslim. She describes herself as 'quirky, outgoing and a go-getter' and says she hates to be bored. She also claims she is famous in Croydon Photograph: Channel 4
From: Liverpool Occupation: PE teaching student/part-time student Age: 21
A part-time DJ, Dale says his dream celebrity dates would be Mischa Barton and Abbey Clancy. He says he should be on Big Brother because of his good looks and because he gets on with everyone, especially girls Photograph: Channel 4
From: London Job: Songwriter Age: 26
Darnell was born in Ipswich, raised in St Louis and now lives in London. He was deported from the US after getting involved with gang culture there and now spends much of his time mentoring community youth groups in north London. Darnell, who was born albino, describes himself as 'way too skinny with a massive head' Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 23 From: Edinburgh Occupation: Dance student and teacher
Dennis describes himself as 'egotistical, flamboyant and competitive' and says that if he could make any law, it would be that everyone must wear fake tan. On a typical day he says he stresses out in front of the mirror for hours, getting changed three times before he goes out. He says he always gets comments on his 'fabulous' eyes and sparkling white teeth, and says he loves Will and Grace Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 22 From: Durham Occupation: Part-time model, full-time mum
Jennifer describes herself as 'ambitious, ruthless and opinionated' and is a vegetarian who is passionate about animal welfare. A part-time model, Jennifer says she wouldn’t do glamour shots with her breasts exposed (we’ll see if that holds true when she gets out of the house). She says her motivation for doing Big Brother is to make her daughter and loved ones proud Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 30 From: Kent, originally from Thailand Occupation: Thai massage therapist
Kathreya came to the UK from Thailand seven years ago to study, and has since become a British citizen. She is a Buddhist and says she will do anything to avoid an argument. On the subject of her physical attributes, Kathreya likens her shape to a potato: 'If you like jacket potato you will love me' Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 40 From: Warrington Occupation: Sales rep for a beauty and tanning company
Lisa, who is dating fellow housemate Mario, is a former bodybuilder who teaches fitness classes alongside her regular job as a sales rep for tanning products. She met Mario three years ago when she bought a crystal ball from him on eBay. She says the most significant event in her life was when Mario pawned his Rolex to buy her a boob job Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 20 From: Wigan Occupation: Student, part-time pro-wrestling announcer
Since the age of 16, Luke has been involved in the north-west wrestling scene as a ring announcer and referee. Fashion-wise, Luke says he wears suits most days because it makes him feel empowered and he particularly likes the range from George at Asda. He supports the Conservative party Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 42 From: Warrington Occupation: Former tag officer at the Home Office
Mario, who is Lisa’s partner, says he takes as much pride in his appearance as his girlfriend and regularly spends more than two hours getting ready for a night out. He says he calls himself Mario because he is an 'Italian stallion' as so many people say he looks like Sylvester Stallone. A father of two girls, Mario claims to have slept with more than 200 women Photograph: Channel 4
From: Ayrshire, Scotland Occupation: Radio producer Age: 33
Mikey has been blind for 10 years after losing his sight during an operation. He works as a producer for a blind radio station called Radio Insight and in 2007 was part of a team that won a Sony award. He describes himself as 'wacky, zany and non-conformist' and says his favourite party trick is to do standup comedy while wearing women's clothes Photograph: Channel 4
From: London Occupation: Toy demonstrator at Hamleys Age: 23
Mohamed was born in Somalia and then lived in Kenya, Yemen, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and Dubai before moving to the UK. He says he feels his family have moved around too much and would like to win Big Brother to give them the opportunity to stay in one place. Mohamed says he loves to wear bright clothes that reflect his 'bubbly and bright' personality Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 24 From: Torfaen, Wales Occupation: English and drama student, trainee teacher
Rachel is a former child actor who featured alongside Hugh Grant in the film Night Train to Venice when she was eight. She went on to perform in three other films and more than 20 ads. A former local beauty pageant winner, she went on to be crowned runner-up in a Miss Wales competition the year Big Brother 7’s Imogen Thomas won Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 21 From: Coventry Occupation: Kindergarten nurse
Rebecca - who often refers to herself as 'The Bex' - says her greatest musical love is US pop group Hanson. Politically she supports the Monster Raving Loony Party, but when it comes to bigger matters, she believes in unicorns more than she believes in God Photograph: Channel 4
From: London Occupation: Executive chef Age: 24
Already a successful chef and businessman, London socialite Rex says his three favourite things are food, money and success. As a top chef at some of London’s most renowned restaurants, Rex says his job is to be a 'professional bully - people always tell me to stop being aggressive'. Rex says he considers himself very lucky in love as all the girls he has met have fallen in love with him Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 19 From: Liverpool Occupation: Maths and economics student
Stephanie first appeared on TV as a 13-year-old on ITV’s Popstars: The Rivals. However, producers discovered she had lied about her age and kicked her off the show, meaning she missed out on a chance to join Girls Aloud. She sings and plays guitar in a band but is focusing more on her studies. She says she feels strongly about politics, and that 'thick' people make her angry Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 21 From: South London, originally Sierra Leone Occupation: Student/sales assistant
Sylvia came to the UK with her family aged 11, when war broke out in her native Sierra Leone. She says she gets angered by 'unclean individuals, aggressive people and negativity' and admits that her face can be a bit 'scowly' at times Photograph: Channel 4
Age: 25 From: Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester Occupation: Personal trainer/property developer
Ambitious Stuart is hoping to meet a girl to knock him off his feet. A ladies' man who's never been in love, his main passions are looking after his five-year-old daughter, music, women and Manchester United. He's a personal trainer turned property developer, and says that if he won a million pounds he would keep on working Photograph: PR
Age: 44 From: ExeterOccupation: Theatre Director
Theatre director Belinda was raised in East. She can play the clarinet and piano and has appeared naked on stage. She says she’s not one to shy away from a debate especially if it is something she believes in. Her epitaph would read ‘Anything is Possible’ and she says, ‘life is a ball, each minute, each breath is precious.’ She has two children, whom she has home-schooled, and is married Photograph: PR
Age: 28 From: Hertfordshire Occupation: Model
Maysoon has also appeared in numerous music videos, including for Sean Paul. She is keen to prove that not all models are stuck-up and self-centred. She says: ‘I think more people should try being nice, have respect, and treat others how they want to be treated.’ She speaks fluent Arabic and is a Muslim Photograph: PR
Age: 27 From: London (originally Australia) Occupation: Executive PA
Currently working for MTV, Sara won an award there for being the loudest person in the office. The first Australian to enter the UK Big Brother house, she feels it needs an Aussie to mix up the ‘reserved and shy Brits’. She claims she is a big flirt but hasn’t been in love or even had a significant relationship Photograph: PR
