Davina McCall thinks Big Brother winner Nadia Almada “opened Britain’s eyes” to being transgender and educated the nation.
The show’s former presenter looks back on its best bits with Rylan Clark-Neal.
And asked to choose her favourite housemate, she said: “I’d possibly say because it meant so much to her, Nadia.
“I did love Brian, he’s a very close second, but it meant more to Nadia.
"It was more of a surprise. Nadia went in there having never being accepted for who she was.
“ Big Brother gave her an opportunity to be someone completely new, no past, no history and no judgment and people totally accepted her for who she was.
“I think that meant so much to her. It meant a lot to the trans community too.
“Britain opened their eyes, I learnt a lot.
“She had such an important story to tell. I also love fiery tempers!”
Nadia won in 2004, during the Channel 4 show’s run from 2000 to 2010.
She kept her transgender identity secret from contestants, but viewers were informed. She secured four million votes, winning £63,500.
Nadia said at the time: “I could die tomorrow and be a very happy person.
"I just feel so comfortable and if you’d seen me six months ago, I wouldn’t have been comfortable at all, with pictures of me as I was before, or anything. Big Brother changed me.”
In the first episode Davina and Rylan will be joined by BB hosts Emma Willis and Dermot O’Leary.
Big Brother: Best Shows Ever starts on Sunday, 9pm, E4 and runs Sunday to Thursday for two weeks.
