Latest news with #NarinderKaur
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Big Brother star reveals how much contestants earn and it's not what you think
A former Big Brother contestant has published an explosive book all about life inside - and after - the famous reality house, and reveals the surprising amount she earned for her appearance Former medical rep Narinder Kaur walked into the Big Brother house back in 2001 as a complete unknown. She walked out 29 days later as one of the biggest – and first – reality TV stars of her generation. Now, almost 25 years on, the mum-of-two has updated her bombshell 2007 book about life inside the famous house, including interviews with more than 30 other contestants (such as Anthony Hutton, Brian Dowling and Nadia Almada), as well as producers and psychologists. Chatting exclusively, the 52-year-old Good Morning Britain regular says she wants to show why reality stars deserve more 'sympathy', especially when their headline-making antics come back to haunt them years later. 'It's part exposé, part warning,' she says. 'People are still fascinated by the whole process. It's the idea of overnight fame, how it changes your life and affects everyone around you. I think the reaction to me on the show actually made me stronger. I was written off and had this burning desire to prove everybody wrong – it's still there. Big Brother has been around for so long now, but the real story is what happens after the house, and that's the story I wanted to tell.' It comes after one huge TV star looks completely unrecognisable as she reveals latest facelift. Strictly's Anton Du Beke shares heartbreak over wife's 'cruel and inexplicable' diagnosis Hi, Narinder! Did Big Brother change your life in the way you expected it to? I liken it to throwing a pebble in a pond. It's the ripple effect you don't expect. We were just normal, innocent people and yes, I wanted fame, but I had no idea the level of fame it would bring. You became an overnight household name and when you're just an ordinary person with a normal life before going in, it's mindblowing. Is it different for contestants nowadays? Probably. I think the level of reaction is different, and we've learnt some lessons. TV companies are more careful – as they should be – after the deaths of Love Island contestants. And the housemates are more aware of what they're getting themselves into. They can also go back to their normal lives now. The book has some shocking stories! Yes, and there were a few we couldn't put in because they were too shocking. To be honest, nothing surprised me. It's like modern-day gladiators – you're thrown into the lion's den for entertainment. And there's a lot of people who don't realise that we didn't get paid when I did the show. We got a statutory weekly payment of about £20. You spoke to Kinga Karolczak about the infamous 'bottle incident', didn't you? [Kinga had an X-rated moment with it] Yes, and out of everyone I interviewed, I felt the deepest sympathy for Kinga. She's a really sweet girl and, like we all did, she went on the show to become famous. To do that, you want to keep the producers happy by making a great show. So, you can make a snap decision that affects the rest of your life. How do you rebuild it after that? What do you say to people considering applying to the show? I tell them to think very carefully. It's going to change their lives, maybe in ways they don't want it to. There's also social media now, and no amount of duty of care can protect you from hate. But I could sit with a would-be contestant today and warn them, and I'd literally see them not listening – they're just thinking about all the glory. The duty of care has changed over the years though, hasn't it? Yes, I think contestants get support for about a year afterwards, when I went on, there was nothing afterwards. I didn't have a clue what was going on. I didn't know why newspapers were calling me. My book shows what can happen to people's mental health afterwards, something we really need to look at. Do you think reality TV has a future? Personally, I'd like to see it end, but I don't think it's going to. There's no getting around the fact some people will find it very difficult afterwards. I spoke to so many modern-day contestants who are all still going through the same process of disbelief about how their life has changed. Why did you want to write this book? To help people understand the show more, and have sympathy for the contestants. We're human, and there were times where we entertained people at the expense of our mental health. I wanted to bring a bit of humanity and insight to it all. The process can be brutal, and I wanted to give other contestants a voice. I really wanted to see how it affected people's lives. If you could turn back the clock, would you still audition for Big Brother? It sounds crazy, but yes. I'd probably play the game differently and fake it more. I think I was too real and I thought people would like that, but they didn't. Are there other shows you'd love to do? I've been emailing Loose Women for about 25 years because it's my dream show, but they haven't replied yet. Actually, I got one reply in lockdown. But I'm still hoping the dream might come true.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Big Brother star slams Strictly signing Thomas Skinner in shock rant fuming ‘kiss my a**'
BIG Brother star Narinder Kaur has told the BBC to "kiss my a**" in a furious rant over Thomas Skinner's Strictly signing. The Apprentice star confirmed his place on the BBC show yesterday morning by spelling out its name with Alphabites while eating in his favourite cafe. 4 4 His appointment was met with anger by some, who cited his criminal past - Skinner was convicted of handling stolen goods in 2011 - and a recent meeting with Donald Trump's controversial Vice President, JD Vance, as reasons why he shouldn't take part. Narinder wrote on X: "Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. "But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!!" Market trader Skinner, who is known for his Bosh catchphrase, replied to the post. He said: "Narinder, I respect that you stand up for what you believe in, not everyone's got the guts to do that. Yes, I've got a past, but I'm not here to divide people. I'm just trying to get people to believe in themselves and realise they can do more than they think. "Life can be so much better when you let happiness in and don't always be angry towards others. If I've ever upset you, I'm sorry… that's never been my intention. I wish ya nothing but peace, happiness, and a life you can truly enjoy. Bosh." Proud Englishman Thomas is known for his outspoken political opinions on social media, as well as television appearances on the likes of Good Morning Britain and Celebrity MasterChef. His signing comes just a day after the Romford lad met Vance at a Cotswolds BBQ. The married dad-of-three, 34, said: 'I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff. 'I've never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Apprentice star 'gives away' he's signed up for Strictly as celeb mates and pro dancers rush to congratulate him 'Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom.' Thomas met up with Vance after the two struck up an unlikely friendship on social media site X. He hit back at the flak yesterday, adding: "I'm not right wing. People are like sheep and just started saying it because I got invited to go to bbq with JD Vance and I posted a picture with him. "Who is gonna turn down an opportunity to meet the 2nd most powerful man in the world?" 4 4
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Narinder Kaur criticises BBC's decision to cast Thomas Skinner on Strictly
TV personality Narinder Kaur has criticised the BBC's decision to cast Thomas Skinner as a celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Skinner recently met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks, and befriended US President Donald Trump's number two on social media platform X. He recently claimed he had received 'death threats' and 'vile comments about my children', following a series of social media posts claiming 'something's gone wrong' in the UK, and saying 'there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from'. In other posts, which drew criticism from some of his followers, Skinner said it is 'not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country', and he complained 'it ain't safe out there anymore' in London, saying the city is 'hostile' and 'tense'. It comes as Kaur claimed she was told she was 'too controversial' for the show herself. In the caption of a video posted to X, Jeremy Vine panellist and former Big Brother star Kaur, 52, said: 'Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. 'But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!!' In a statement, she added: 'There's only so much you can say in a short video, but I felt something many others have been feeling all day and that was complete shock and utter bewilderment – to see Thomas be announced in the line-up, considering all the rhetoric about how people with right-wing opinions are cancelled and not allowed on the BBC. 'I've debated Tom on Good Morning Britain before, I supported his book release at his launch party, there is a huge disparity in what certain demographics of people are allowed to say and still get one show after another. 'I met the Strictly team at the TV Choice Awards earlier this year and got talking to one of the bookers about the show generally – and she said 'You're a bit too controversial and we can't have that for the show.'' Social media personality Skinner has been announced as one of the latest celebrities to be taking part in the upcoming series of BBC One show Strictly. Following Skinner's post complaining about alleged abuse, Mr Vance replied with a picture of a cartoon character typing on a keyboard and a message that read: 'Hang in there, my friend. Remember that 90 percent of people attacking your family look like this.' After the Strictly announcement, Skinner said in a social media post: 'They say don't read the comments on social media. But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram lost about going on Strictly… Why are some people so angry that don't even know me.' Among the other celebrity contestants confirmed for Strictly this year are former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis. They join the likes of podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke, RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, and model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part in Strictly's full series. The line-up is completed by Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Narinder Kaur criticises BBC's decision to have Thomas Skinner on Strictly
TV star Narinder Kaur has criticised the BBC's decision to cast former The Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner as a celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing after saying she was told she was 'too controversial' for the show herself. It comes after Skinner met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks, with the 34-year-old – who befriended US President Donald Trump's number two on social media platform X – describing the event as 'once in a lifetime'. In the caption of a video posted to X, Jeremy Vine panellist and former Big Brother star Kaur, 52, said: 'Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. 'But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!!' In a statement, she added: 'There's only so much you can say in a short video, but I felt something many others have been feeling all day and that was complete shock and utter bewilderment – to see Thomas be announced in the line-up, considering all the rhetoric about how people with right-wing opinions are cancelled and not allowed on the BBC. 'I've debated Tom on Good Morning Britain before, I supported his book release at his launch party, there is a huge disparity in what certain demographics of people are allowed to say and still get one show after another. 'I met the Strictly team at the TV Choice Awards earlier this year and got talking to one of the bookers about the show generally – and she said 'You're a bit too controversial and we can't have that for the show.'' Social media personality Skinner has been announced as one of the latest celebrities to be taking part in the upcoming series of BBC One show Strictly. He recently claimed he had received 'death threats' and 'vile comments about my children', following a series of social media posts claiming 'something's gone wrong' in the UK, and saying 'there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from'. In other posts, which drew criticism from some of his followers, Skinner said it is 'not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country', and he complained 'it ain't safe out there anymore' in London, saying the city is 'hostile' and 'tense'. Following the post complaining about alleged abuse, Mr Vance replied with a picture of a cartoon character typing on a keyboard and a message that read: 'Hang in there, my friend. Remember that 90 percent of people attacking your family look like this.' After the Strictly announcement, Skinner said in a social media post: 'They say don't read the comments on social media. But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram lost about going on Strictly… Why are some people so angry that don't even know me.' Among the other celebrity contestants confirmed for Strictly this year are former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis. They join the likes of podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke, RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, and model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part in Strictly's full series. The line-up is completed by Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Strictly, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas as judges.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Narinder Kaur criticises BBC's decision to have Thomas Skinner on Strictly
TV star Narinder Kaur has criticised the BBC's decision to cast former The Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner as a celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing after saying she was told she was 'too controversial' for the show herself. It comes after Skinner met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks, with the 34-year-old – who befriended US President Donald Trump's number two on social media platform X – describing the event as 'once in a lifetime'. In the caption of a video posted to X, Jeremy Vine panellist and former Big Brother star Kaur, 52, said: 'Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. 'But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!!' In a statement, she added: 'There's only so much you can say in a short video, but I felt something many others have been feeling all day and that was complete shock and utter bewilderment – to see Thomas be announced in the line-up, considering all the rhetoric about how people with right-wing opinions are cancelled and not allowed on the BBC. 'I've debated Tom on Good Morning Britain before, I supported his book release at his launch party, there is a huge disparity in what certain demographics of people are allowed to say and still get one show after another. 'I met the Strictly team at the TV Choice Awards earlier this year and got talking to one of the bookers about the show generally – and she said 'You're a bit too controversial and we can't have that for the show.'' Social media personality Skinner has been announced as one of the latest celebrities to be taking part in the upcoming series of BBC One show Strictly. He recently claimed he had received 'death threats' and 'vile comments about my children', following a series of social media posts claiming 'something's gone wrong' in the UK, and saying 'there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from'. In other posts, which drew criticism from some of his followers, Skinner said it is 'not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country', and he complained 'it ain't safe out there anymore' in London, saying the city is 'hostile' and 'tense'. Following the post complaining about alleged abuse, Mr Vance replied with a picture of a cartoon character typing on a keyboard and a message that read: 'Hang in there, my friend. Remember that 90 percent of people attacking your family look like this.' After the Strictly announcement, Skinner said in a social media post: 'They say don't read the comments on social media. But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram lost about going on Strictly… Why are some people so angry that don't even know me.' Among the other celebrity contestants confirmed for Strictly this year are former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis. They join the likes of podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke, RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, and model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part in Strictly's full series. The line-up is completed by Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Strictly, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas as judges. The BBC has been approached for comment.
