Scots Big Brother stars Cameron Stout and Mikey Hughes met for the first time ever to spill the tea about the hit TV show which is making a comeback.
Orkney-born Cameron and Kilwinning’s Mikey admitted they both got a "chill" down their spines when they heard the now famous TV anthem being played on a trailer to announce the show’s return, this time on ITV2.
But the well-kent duo had some words of advice for any budding Big Brother contestants who are thinking of applying for the new series when it makes its long awaited return.
Mikey said: “When it was announced during the adverts of Love Island and the Big Brother theme tune came on, I swear to god a physical shiver ran down my spine. I feel like I’d have dropped this tea and it would have been all over me.”
Cameron added: “The hair on the back of my neck stood up. Even back then when the music came on, it's always been one of the most iconic parts of the experience. When you are in the house you don’t even hear music which is one of the biggest disappointments.”
Both lads also advised future Big Brother contestants to be their authentic selves.
Mikey, who is now a published author and graduated with a PhD in economic history from Glasgow University, said: “It’s a gamble. You've got a one in 20 chance of winning it. It comes with a lot of risks. Don't just throw yourself in it and give some serious consideration before you enter to be in it. Think about the impact on your family as well.”
Cameron, who is a head teacher at a primary school and works for the BBC in Orkney, added. “Go for it, but you've got to be your authentic self. Imagine your crushing disappointment if you put on a persona that you think they're looking for and it crashes around you. You've got to be yourself. Definitely.”
The two lads were dining at Glasgow’s The Dhabba restaurant as they caught up on what they had been up to since finding fame.
Cameron won series four of the show in 2003, Mikey came runner-up in series nine in 2008.
Last month, viewers were over the moon when the familiar Big Brother logo popped up in a flash during the Love Island final, confirming what fans had been hoping for months - a return of the iconic series.
Former host Rylan Clark also took to Twitter to share a picture of the eye, prompting speculation he will also be coming back to the programme.
Big Brother began on Channel 4 in 2000, hosted by Davina McCall, and turned housemates such as Nikki Grahame, “Nasty” Nick Bateman and Jade Goody into stars.
The programme aired for 11 series on Channel 4, followed by one final special edition, Ultimate Big Brother, which ended in 2010. Channel 5 acquired the rights to the series, and relaunched it in 2011.
Big Brother has not been on TV since 2018 when it was axed by Channel 5, but it is now being brought back to life by ITV2, who are billing it as a "Big Brother for the Love Island generation".
One insider said: "This needs to be totally new and fresh. It’s all about drawing in a young audience. The aim is to get back to basics and interfere less, with fewer challenges."
Former hosts Davina McCall, Emma Willis and Rylan are unlikely to be involved in the reboot.
Despite this Rylan, 33, has made no secret of his desire to be involved in the new Big Brother, saying he would be "a million per cent" up for fronting the "biggest and best" reality TV show. Davina, 54, is also said to be "very keen" to host.
But Emma, 46, thinks it’s time for a change, declaring: "New era, new host."
Both Cameron and Mikey both have fond memories of their time on Big Brother, and both reckon it’s still the best of the reality shows.
Cameron said: “Reality TV is really diluted and I think when the daddy comes back it will shake things up again."
Mikey added: “There’s a spring in its step this time that wasn’t there before. There’s people I’ve not heard from in ten years that are getting back in touch.
“It’s got to be off the back of Love Island. I’m glad I’m not an ITV producer because they’ll have to think about what they are going to do with the casting of both shows this time round.”
Big Brother is set to return to ITV2 in 2023.
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