Big Brother winner unrecognisable 7 years after 'accidental' win
Big Brother's Cameron Cole went down in history in 2018, when he won what was thought to be the last ever series at the age of 19.
The beloved reality programme has since returned on ITV, with a third season yet to air later this year.
During his time in the iconic house, Cameron was showered in support from fans and his fellow housemates after coming out as gay, in one of TV's most emotional moments.
Reflecting on that moment in a recent interview with Metro, Cameron revealed that he'd only told his best friend beforehand and had written letters to his family, which he still has.
He feared the news would 'go down badly' with the other contestants and the public - only to have a completely different reaction.
He told the publication: 'Once you come out on TV, you can't really do it again. I just don't even think about it now because there's no point hiding it. It is out there everywhere, and for that, I'm very grateful. [If I hadn't done it] I probably wouldn't have been living my true life which is never obviously a good thing.'
Cameron went on to win the £100,000 from what he calls an 'accidental' win, but told host Emma Willis at the time that he didn't know what he'd plan to spend it on because he 'hadn't really thought that far ahead'.
Unlike the likes of Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson, who have also appeared on Big Brother, Cameron opted for a quieter life away from fame following his stint on the show.
He studied psychology in London and was in a long-term relationship with his boyfriend who he met in the city, though he still keeps his relationship and personal life private.
In a post back in 2023, Cameron reflected on his fame from Big Brother, celebrating five years since he won the show.
Alongside snaps from the show, he wrote on Instagram: 'I cannot believe it's been 5 years since the best 53 days of my life. I'm still so grateful to have done something as life changing as Big Brother. I lived my dream, and it never disappointed.
'I'm so glad big brother is back and that I won't be the last winner forever. I've loved this series so much and can relive it in a way I hadn't been able to.
'I can't explain how much I miss big brother and there isn't a day that goes by where I don't miss the house, housemates and absolutely everything it entitled, the BB voices, the task, diary room, chats, laughs the whole f*****g thing.'
He went on: 'It was the safest and happiest I've ever been and will ever be. My safe haven the first place I felt I belonged and was normal. I love what was the best set of housemates and people.
'The memories made I'll never forget or get bored of remembering. I'll always miss it and crave the feeling and experience again, but when it makes me sad, I try to remember just how lucky I was to do it.
'Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me at any point. It's always been so appreciated. I'll never forget you and I'll always miss you, big brother, more than anyone will ever know.
'You made a sad boy with no hope a happy boy and gave me the most priceless prizes: hope and reason to live and laugh again. You changed my life completely and unfortunately you were so good, my heart now hurts everyday with how much I miss you!
'That said I'm so f**king glad I got to spend 53 days of my life with you, if only it was more. So happy more people can now live it too with BB being back. Love you always BB and I'll forever miss you.'
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