So, they're in, the 16 new Big Brother contestants - as featured in our gallery - who will be driving you mad all summer.
The number of housemates going into the compound on the opening night was the biggest ever, and there were a couple of other firsts as well - the first blind housemate and the first couple on the main summer show.
Also in our Big Brother coverage - Anna Pickard's live blog and Mark Lawson's take on the start of Big Brother 9.
Here's the lowdown on the initial 16 housemates:
Alexandra Age: 23 From: Croydon Occupation: Accounts executive
A single mother, who had her daughter when she was 16 years old, Alexandra was raised as a Christian but converted to Islam a few years ago. However, despite saying she tries to go to the mosque as often as she can, 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 and says that a lot of people want to socialise with her. Of course they do.
MediaGuardian live blogger Anna Pickard's first impression: "Alexandra is feisty, and fierce, and a single mother, having had her child at 16. She's a genuine person, she says, and everything about her is real, including her hair, which is all hers, and not a weave or ANYTHING. She's booed from the second her van pulls up. Boo boo boo, say the crowd, judgmentally. And then, as she walks in, they start yelling 'OUT! OUT! OUT!', which seems a little previous."
Jennifer Age: 22 From: Durham Occupation: Part-time model and full-time mum
Jennifer describes herself as "ambitious, ruthless and opinionated" and is a vegetarian and passionate about animal welfare.
A part-time model, Jennifer says wouldn't do glamour shots with her breasts exposed (we'll see if that holds when she gets out of the house).
Jennifer says she uses her beauty and brains to get what she wants, and if she could have sex with any celebrity it would be Simon Cowell - euwwwww! She says her motivation for doing Big Brother is to make her daughter and loved ones proud. I am sure they will be.
Anna's first impression: "Jennifer doesn't like abortion, or immigrants, or meat-eaters, or stupid people and wants to make sure her opinion is heard by as many people as possible. I don't know what her opinion of Liveblogging is, but I will venture to find out."
Kathreya Age: 30 From: Kent but 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 says she is addicted to biscuits and carries a cookie jar with her wherever she goes. She is also a Buddhist and says she will do anything to avoid an argument, which is obviously why she applied to go on Big Brother then.
She loves wearing bright clothes and wears platform boots to give her extra height as she is only 5ft tall. On the subject of her physical attributes, Kathreya likens her shape to a potato: "If you like jacket potato you will love me". Right you are.
Lisa 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. Love is ... pawning your rolex for a boob job, then.
Mario (real name Shaun) 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 over two hours getting ready for a night out.
He says he calls himself Mario because it is his "Italian stallion" alter-ego as so many people say he looks like Sylvester Stallone. In truth, he has no actual link to Italy but says his favourite film is Rocky.
A father of two girls, Mario says he and Lisa have sex at least once every day. He claims to have slept with more than 200 women.
Anna's first impression: "It's Big Brother's first couple - Lisa and Mario. They're very extrovert, they say, and very jealous. They have sex a lot, we hear. They're been together three years, and he got divorced three years ago, but those facts are in no way connected. She has an arse like a horse, he says, and 'it needs riding a lot'. So less wondering if there's going to be any sex in the house, then, more 'wondering if there's going to be any sex in the house before the end of the evening'. Three things he'd change about her: He'd make her 'boobs bigger', he'd make her lose a bit of weight, and he'd stop her being so obsessed about her looks. ffs."
Rachel Age: 24 From: Torfaen in Wales Occupation: English and drama student and a trainee teacher
Rachel is a former child actor who featured alongside Hugh Grant in the film Night Train to Venice when she was eight years old. Filming in Rome, she says that nice Mr Grant even organised her eighth birthday party.
She went on to perform in three other films and more than 20 commercials, but eventually stopped acting because she says she had to choose between acting and education, and Grant suggested she get her qualifications first.
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.
Anna's first impression: "Rachel is 24, and a trainee teacher, and she talks A Lot. And she was in 'a film with Hugh Grant'. They don't say what film, though. Try and think of the Hugh Grant film you have never heard of: it's that one. She's very smily, and a practising Catholic, prays each night, and grins a lot. Davina remarks that remarkably, no one is booing, although in reality she means 'only 40% of the audience rather than the usual 98%' She'll win. I'm calling it now. Anyone else want to call it?"
Rebecca Age: 21 From: Coventry Occupation: Kindergarten nurse
Rebecca - who often refers to herself in the third person as "The Bex" - says her greatest musical love is American group Hanson.
Politically she says she supports the Monster Raving Loony Party, but when it comes to bigger matters, she believes in unicorns more than she believes in God.
Anna's first impression: "Large-breasted, bouncy Rebecca is a nursery school teacher. She talks very fast, is often compared (by her friends!) to Vicki Pollard, and is so unintelligible and gabbling that the producers are subtitling her. She'll be out in a couple of weeks, once people get bored of going "WHAT?! WHAT did it say? WHAT?" She's wearing a skirt so short that as she climbs the stairs, I can see the underneath of her lungs. They look tired."
Stephanie Age: 19 From: Liverpool Occupation: Maths and economics student
Stephanie first appeared on television as a 13-year-old on ITV's Popstars: The Rivals.
However, after reaching the final 25 contestants, producers discovered she had lied about her age after she claimed she was 16, and kicked her off the show, meaning she missed out on a chance to become a member of Girls Aloud.
Steph now sings and plays guitar in a band called the Kinky Minks but is focusing more on her studies.
She says she feels strongly about politics, and says that "thick" people make her angry - as well as people who accuse her of having a boob job, as her breasts are real.
She once dated BB6 winner Anthony Hutton. After that, the only way is down.
Anna's first impression: "Stephanie is a student as well! She is 19, and believes that in terms of looks, she is a 10. In terms of sexiness, she is a 10. In personality, she is a 10. We haven't been shown her personal scoring for humility and social grace, but I'm guessing they're not really that high, no. We learn that she appeared on Pop Stars: The Rivals when she was younger. And that she thinks she looks like Angelina Jolie. She doesn't. Melinda Messenger? Yes."
Sylvia Age: 21 From: South London but originally from Sierra Leone Occupation: Student/sales assistant
Sylvia came to the UK with her family aged 11, when the war started 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.
21-year-old Sylvia is - oh, this is interesting, she's a STUDENT! What do you think of THAT twist?! Yeah, alright - is a student, and was born in Sierra Leone, and thinks she is very trendy, and very good looking.
Anna's first impression: "She's not aggressive, right, and she's not argumentative, but she has a sharp tongue and can handle herself. She's another practising Christian, and, as she enters the house, keeps trilling 'Ooooh my Gooooood!' over and over again, so we know she prays, at least."
Dennis 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 & Grace.
Anna's first impression: "I don't want to play to stereotypes, but Dennis, a high-pitched 23-year-old Scottish dance student, may or may not be homosexual. He arrives dancing, and blowing kisses. He would like to invite Kylie, Mother Teresa and Judy Garland to a dinner party. Oh no, hang on, I just rewound to check, and it wasn't Kylie, it was Hitler. Obviously. He looks the spit of Perez Hilton, and is doing high kicks up the stairs - which is a pretty neat trick if you can nail it (Dale can, but only if it's fit)."
Dale 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 Abbie Clancey.
He says he should be on Big Brother because of his good looks and that he gets on with everyone, especially the girls.
Anna's first impression: "Dale introduces himself with the words 'If there's any fanny in there, I'll nail it. Especially if it's fit'. Wow. He'd give himself 10/10 for looks, funniness and ruthlessness. And misogyny. Although I'm not sure he gave himself a mark for that. Probably a large question mark. He is Mr Vain McVain from Vanityville. He and that blonde one will be in each others knickers before you can say 'No seriously, where's the cocking remote?!'"
Darnell From: London Job: Songwriter Age: 26
Darnell was born in Ipswich, raised in St Louis in the US and now lives in London. He was deported from the US after getting involved with gang culture there and now focuses much of his time on mentoring community youth groups in north London.
Darnell, who was born albino, describes himself as "way too skinny with a massive head".
Anna's first impression: "Darnell says he has always been 'too white for the black kids and too black for the white kids' - and that's not just a phrase, he actually means it, as he is an albino - Black British, born in Ipswich and raised in America, he lives in London with his white eyebrows and his US drawl. He would like to represent the Albino community in Big Brother, tho he has never ever seen it. He has just been round the room introducing himself.
"I'm Darnell" "Daniel?" "Darnell" "Darniel?" "Darnell" "Donald?" "Darnell" "Danny?" "Darnell"
God, we could do this all night. I think we literally might."
Luke Age: 20 From: Wigan Occupation: Student and 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.
Anna's first impression: "Luke is a student in a suit and, backed with comedy ukulele music, he's obviously a bit of a character. He would like, he says, to change the perception of students in the public eye. Oh joy. He's being booed, he's booing them back. He's doing a dance like a fool, and gurning for the cameras. I'm reaching deep into my soul and trying to decide if my perception of students has been changed, and I find that, so far, it hasn't very much, no. I'm keeping an open mind, though."
Michael (Mikey) From: Ayshire, Scotland Occupation: Radio producer Age: 33
When Mikey was 23 he lost his sight whilst undergoing an operation and has now been blind for 10 years. 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 stand-up comedy whilst wearing women's clothes.
Anna's first impression: "Michael enters the house, and everyone screams as normal. Until they see his white stick, at which point - no word of a lie - they all go 'Ahhhhhhhw!' and put their heads to the side like he's a limping labrador puppy. Seriously. Then he goes round and introduces himself and they all pretend to be normal again."
Mohamed From: London Occupation: Toy demonstrator at Hamleys Age: 23
Mohamed was born in Somalia and then moved to Kenya, Yeman, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and Dubai before moving to the UK with his family. 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 and make a proper home for themselves.
Described by his friends as a "flamboyant" character, Mohamed says he loves to wear bright clothes which reflect his "bubbly and bright" personality.
Anna's first impression: "A man with a reasonably-sized afro, Mohamed would like to stress that he is not a terrorist. Which is, of course, the first thing we all think when we see an afro, isn't it? It's either 'Soul Train' or 'Hairstyle' or 'Terrorist', so I'm really glad he's cleared that one up. He also has fine sideburns, was born in Somalia, and travelled a lot as a child. 'Whenever we went, a new civi war started, so we had to move again'"
Rex 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.
Anna's first impression: "I think he's quite possibly one of those ones that pretends to have an enormous personality at the auditions and then turns out to be really dull/not be able to hack it at all. I could be wrong. Usually am."
So, there they are. I know it is only early days, but there are already a few early candidates for the title of most obnoxious housemate. I think I'd have to plump for The Bex, but it's a close run thing.
How is this group of housemates lining up for you?
