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Models, Pop Duos and Bad Boys: 17 Of The BEST Irish Big Brother Housemates Ever

The new series of Celebrity Big Brother is officially underway and a host of famous housemates, old and new, have entered the mad house.

While plenty of famous faces have graced the line-up this year, including controversial couple Speidi, Irish man Calum Best has already been tipped to win the show.

So, Goss.ie have decided to take a little trip down memory lane and list some of our favourite Irish Big Brother contestants from over the years.

Take a look:

1. Brian Dowling

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Brian hold’s the very rare distinction of being the only housemate to have won the show twice.

The Kildare native, who’s besties with model mum Pippa O’Connor, took home the crown in the second series in 2001 and later went on to win Ultimate Big Brother in 2010 against some of the show’s most memorable contestants.

To top it off, Brian even hosted Big Brother after it moved to Channel 5 in 2011 before Emma Willis took over the reins in 2013.

However, as the new series launched last night, housemate Nicola McLean threw serious shade at the former host – and we doubt he’ll be too impressed.

2. Anna Nolan

Lauryn Canny & Anna Nolan at Today FM

Anna appeared on the very first series of Big Brother way back in 2000 and finished in a very respectable second place.

The Dublin native raised eyebrows in the media as she had been a nun in her pre-fame days.

Previous Big Brother host Davina McCall said in 2011 that out of all the series’ housemates, Anna was the only one she became friends with after the show – and we can see why.

Anna has since gone on to have a very successful presenting career with the likes of the BBC and RTE and currently hosts The Great Irish Bake-Off on TV3.

3. Ray Shah

The Coronas 'Closer To You' album launch at 4 Dame Lane

Dubliner Ray Shah was a contestant on Big Brother 2003, which has unfortunately gone on to be known as the most boring series the show has ever had.

Still, the then 25-year-old finished in second place and went on to a successful career as a radio DJ.

Ray now owns health company BodyFirst nutrition and continues to present on iRadio.

4. Hazel O’Sullivan

Hazel O'Sullivan leaves the May Fair Hotel

Every series of Big Brother has at least one or two models who try their best – but most get evicted in the first few weeks.

However, Irish contestant Hazel broke the mold in 2013 when she was evicted just 2 weeks before the final.

The brunette beauty caused quite the stir during her time in the house with her flirtatious relationship with housemate Daley, and her frequent arguments with rich girl Gina.

Hazel now lives in London, and served as a bridesmaid at BOTS presenter Rylan Clark’s wedding to Dan Neal in 2015.

5. Jedward

jedward-vip-ireland-comjedward appeared on Celebrity Big Brother 2011 alongside the likes of Amy Childs and Kerry Katona.

As would be expected, the X Factor twins regularly wound up their fellow housemates during their stay in the famous bungalow.

However, that didn’t stop the pair from making it to the final where they finished in 3rd place.

The twins were rumoured to be returning to the show this series, and with two new housemates entering on Friday – we have a feeling it could be them…

6. Georgia Penna

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Georgia appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 alongside Denise Welch, Nicola McClean, Frankie Cocozza and Michael Madsen.

During her stay in the house, Georgia became the object of affection of TOWIE star Kirk Norcross, although she rebuffed his advances.

The Dublin beauty was already one of Ireland’s top models, but the show helped to launch her career in the UK.

The half-Greek beauty now lives in London with her husband Joe Penna, and their two little boys.

7. Noirin Kelly

Irish Rugby Players & Noirin Kelly at Krystle

Noirin appeared on one of the less memorable series of Big Brother in 2009.

The Dubliner made quite an impact during her time in the house, with several of the male housemates taking quite a shine to her.

To make things even more awkward, Big Brother threw in her ex-boyfriend Isaac into the house who went on to quit the show the very same night his lady love was evicted.

Noirin posed for Nuts Magazine shortly after her eviction but has since decided to leave the spotlight.

8. Marc O’Neill

Infectious Reality Show Shoots Pilot Episodes

Marc first made a name for himself in Ireland as one of the contestants on the car crash that was Tallafornia.

The Dubliner appeared on the most recent civilian series in 2015 and quickly became one of the show’s most memorable contestants.

Marc is best known for winding up almost all of his fellow housemates and never putting on a pair of pants throughout his stay in the house.

The former stripper graduated from college in 2015 and has since moved to California.

9 . Paddy O’Doherty

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Although he was born and raised in Manchester, Paddy comes from an Irish family and that’s good enough for us.

Paddy became known for his appearance on My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and then went on to be a housemate in the same Celeb series as Jedward.

To top it off, Paddy ended up winning the show after he beat out runner up Kerry Katona in the final.

10. Keith Duffy

Keith Duffy's Masquerade Ball 2014

Believe it or not, Keith Duffy also enjoyed a stay in the Big Brother house in 2001 during the show’s first ever Celebrity series.

Keith stayed in the house alongside the likes of Vanessa Feltz and Jack Dee and finished in third place on the final night.

The former Boyzone star has been keeping busy recently by teaming up with Brian McFadden to create Boyzlife – and the singers have been touring at hotels all over Europe over the past year.

11. Edele Lynch

Celebs spotted at The Marker Hotel

Edele took part in Celebrity Big Brother 2014 shortly after her appearance on Channel 4 show The Big Reunion.

The B*witched star’s time in the house is best remembered for her flirty relationship with Gogglebox star George Shelley.

The pair kept in touch after the show and event spent New Year’s together in 2015.

12. DJ Spiral

Katie's Dream to walk Charity Fashion Show

Finglas native DJ Spiral made a late appearance on Big Brother 2007 which featured some of the show’s most memorable contestants like Nikki Grahame and Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace.

DJ Spiral only lasted a few weeks in the house before being evicted – but he didn’t let that get him down.

The Dubliner most recently released a single in 2013 called Finglas.

Although it didn’t do too well, God loves a tryer.

13. Jade Lynch

Dr Patrick Treacy Book Launch

Marc O’Neill wasn’t the only Irish housemate on the 2015 series – model Jade Lynch also enjoyed a stay in the house and made quite an impact.

Jade raised eyebrows among her fellow housemates for describing herself as poly-amorous, meaning she enjoys to have open relationships.

The Dubliner had a brief romance with Brian Belo during her time in the house before being evicted on Day 39.

14. Ashleigh Coyle

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Ashleigh was a housemate in Big Brother 2014 and at the tender age of 18 was one of the youngest contestants to ever appear on the show.

However that didn’t stop the former Miss Derry winner from making it all the way to the final where she finished in second place to Helen Wood in the closest vote in BB history.

Don’t worry Ashleigh, you’ll always be the winner in our eyes.

15. Jeremy McConnell

VIPIRELAND Jeremy McConnell

Jeremy McConnell can definitely go down as one of the most controversial Irish housemates the Big Brother house has ever seen.

The Irish model made headlines for his racy affair with former Hollyoaks star Stephanie Davis on the show in 2016, despite her having a boyfriend outside of the house.

The pair dated for a few months after the show, but went through a nasty split back in May. Shortly after their split, Stephanie revealed that she was pregnant , but Jeremy has refused to believe that the baby is his – and with Stephanie due to give birth any day now, it is reported that Jeremy will demand a paternity test.

16. Calum Best

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While Calum was born in America, we still claim him as our own as he was the son of the late, great footballer, George Best.

The 35-year-old, who previously dated Georgia Salpa, appeared on the show in 2015.

Now, Calum is back for more and the series is sure to get VERY interesting as his ex Love Island lover Bianca Gascoigne has also entered the house – as well as his MUM, Angie Best.

Last night, CBB viewers got serious enjoyment from the look on Calum’s face as he realised that his own mother would be joining him in the CBB house.

17. Hughie Maughan 

Hughie Maughan & Ryan Ruckledge Dublin Airport

Irish traveller Hughie Maughan rose to fame on Big Brother 2016.

Although he got off to a rocky start on the show, he soon became one of the series most-loved housemates, and even found love on the show as he’s now engaged to fellow housemate Ryan Ruckledge.

Hughie is now gearing up to appear on the first season of RTÉ’s Dancing With The Stars, which will premiere this Sunday on RTÉ One.

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