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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Sophie McLaughlin

Big Brother: Reality stars from Northern Ireland who competed as show announces its return

The original reality TV is coming back in 2023. Bust-ups, backstabbing and banter, Big Brother has produced some of the most iconic moments in UK television history in its 18-year run.

Love it or hate it, the 'fly on the wall' experiment paved the way for the future of reality TV and introduced us to big names such as Jade Goody and Alison Hammond. During Monday night's Love Island final, ITV announced that they would be bringing the show back on ITV2 and online in 2023.

Northern Ireland has had its fair share of memorable contestants pass through the famous Big Brother doors, becoming major successes by showing off our local charm and being themselves.

Read more: Co Antrim woman to star on new MTV dating show

Here are some of the faces from Northern Ireland who appeared on Big Brother:

Tom McDermott - 2000

Omagh farmer 'Tyrone Tom' as he became known graced our screens in the very first series of Big Brother back in 2000. He was evicted on day 43.

Following the series, Tom went on to have a child with fellow contestant Claire Strutton and the pair moved to Spain but separated after a year.

Tom currently lives in Cornwall with his wife where he runs a property company.

Conor McIntyre - 2012

Conor McIntyre was a housemate in Big Brother 13. The Derry man

He walked hours after the Day 60 eviction after receiving an offer of £50,000 in the White Room Twist. He received 15 nominations on his time on the show and placed 8th.

Ashleigh Coyle - 2014

Ashleigh Coyle pictured at the RTS NI Awards Ceremony in Belfast’s City Hall (William Cherry/Presseye)

A former Miss Derry, Ashleigh famously finished runner-up in Big Brother in 2014 and has gone on to continue a successful career modelling. Having been left unable to leave the house due to her crippling anxiety, Ashleigh is now using her own experiences to help others suffering with mental health issues.

She also appeared alongside Orlaith McAllister in the BBC series Beauty Queen And Single where she faced her fears and went on a series of dates completely make-up free.

Ashleigh also runs her own beauty business, Sass by Ash.

Seany O'Kane - 2008

Sean 'Seany' O'Kane appeared on the reality show's 8th series and was known for being an avid Michael Jackson fan.

Also from Derry, Seany is now a father and sex therapist, according to The Belfast Telegraph. He was known as a lively character during his stint on the show and placed 19th.

Orlaith McAllister - 2005

Orlaith (BBC NI)

The Miss Northern Ireland runner-up made a name for herself when she entered the Big Brother house in 2005 in the 6th series. She was also Belfast's Woman Of The Year that year.

The Belfast woman entered the house to shake things up on day 29 and walked on day 65 after being saved from eviction.

After leaving the house, Orlaith continued to work in the modelling industry and has two children. Orlaith appeared with fellow alumni Ashleigh in the BBC series Beauty Queen and Single.

Christopher Hall - 2014

The Co Fermanagh born journalist was also a contestant in the 15th series that featured fellow NI contestant Ashleigh Coyle.

During the show, Christopher struck a close bond with fellow contestant Mark Byron and finished in fourth place. He currently lives in London where he works in PR.

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