Celebrity Big Brother star left fearing people were 'watching him through mirrors' after show

Daily Record

07-05-2025

The 2007 series of Celebrity Big Brother saw the likes of late Jade Goody take part in the show, but one contestant from the same series has opened up on how badly it hit their mental health.
Celebrity Big Brother, the reality show known for locking celebs away from the outside world and their often glamorous lives for three weeks while their every move is monitored by cameras, has had a profound impact on some of its participants.
One such star has recently shared his experience, weeks after his departure. Just last week, Coronation Street's Jack P Shepherd was crowned the winner of the second ITV series of the show.
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The programme first aired in 2001 on Channel 4 before transitioning to Channel 5. Since its inception, hundreds of celebrities have entered its doors.
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Now, H from Steps, who appeared on the show in 2007, has revealed his feelings of paranoia post-exit, as reported by the Mirror.
"It does affect your mental health," the star confessed to The Sun, adding that "the aftercare is better these days".
He continued: Because when you're in there, people are watching you at night. And back then, you could watch people sleeping 24 hours," he elaborated. "I came out of there – and it was ridiculous because I know it wasn't sane – but I would think people were watching me through mirrors for weeks afterwards."
H also alleged that during his time, no aftercare was provided once you left the house. "You did it and you were left to fend for yourself," he stated.
The Steps member participated in the 2007 series, which garnered global attention due to a racism scandal involving comments made by the late Jade Goody and other housemates towards Shilpa Shetty, who ultimately emerged as the series winner.
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Following the show, Jade issued an apology for any offence caused by her remarks, acknowledging that they could be perceived as racist. Shilpa later informed the press that she had forgiven Jade, despite Ofcom determining that the channel had violated the Broadcasting Code.
This year, the programme faced a slew of Ofcom complaints from viewers due to Hollywood star Mickey Rourke's homophobic slurs directed at Dance Moms star JoJo Siwa, leading to his agreed exit after "instances of unacceptable behaviour".
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The ITV show received 1,010 Ofcom complaints from viewets at home regarding their episode on April 9, where Mickey expressed his desire that he "wanted to get the lesbian out".
Subsequently, the Hollywood actor mentioned he "needed a fag," while heading to the smoking area and then pointed at JoJo, remarking: "I'm not talking to you."
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Mickey was summoned to the diary room and received a formal warning from Big Brother. When questioned if he grasped why his words might be offensive to fellow housemates and viewers, he responded: "Yeah I think so. If I was saying it in a nasty kind of way or if I truly meant it."