Big Brother: Who was in the first season of the show and when did it air?

Hit reality TV show Big Brother is finally getting a reboot (Picture: Channel 4)

Reality TV fans rejoice! Big Brother is back.

The hit series is set to return to TV screens this autumn on ITV2 and ITVX with brand new hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best.

After it first aired more than 20 years ago, Big Brother has seen an array of iconic TV moments that have cemented it as a staple of British culture.

And its also produced a number of stars still on our TVs today, including This Morning host Alison Hammond and radio host Kate Lawler.

With news that Big Brother is set to return, many fans are casting their minds back to where it all started with its original series.

But when did the first season air and who was among the cast? Here’s what you need to know.

Who was in the first season of Big Brother and when did it air?

Caption: Big Brother: Who was in the first season of the show and when did it air?

Big Brother first began in the Netherlands in 1999 created by John de Mol Jr and based on the premise of ‘housemates’ all living under one roof and periodically nominating others to be evicted.

Following its success, UK and US versions of the show were announced to be in the works, with the popular UK edition of Big Brother coming to our screens on July 18, 2000 on Channel Four.

A whopping 40,000 people applied to be on the inaugural series of the reality TV show, which was whittled down to just 10 contestants.

Big Brother was hit by controversy almost immediately as it started due to using professional psychiatrists to analyse the behaviour of contestants.

That’s not to mention the fiery bust-ups and tearful exchanges that happened between the group on screen.

The first season lasted for 64 days and saw Craig Phillips crowned the winner. Since becoming a household name overnight, Craig now runs his own YouTube channel Mr and Mrs DIY TV alongside his wife Laura.

Craig Phillips, right, won the first season of the show (Picture: Reuters)

The show saw 10 contestants enter the Big Brother house for the first time (Picture: Channel 4)

Following the first season it ran for 11 more and various spin-offs (Picture: Channel 4)

Following the success of the first run, a second season was commissioned with the show going on to run for 12 seasons and spark a number of spin-off shows.

It has seen a number of hosts, including Davina McCall during its initial run, followed by former winner Brian Dowling and Emma Willis when it moved to Channel Five.

Speaking about its return to TV, Davina has shared her excitement over what new seasons could hold.

‘I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do with it. If they go back to real basics and don’t try and do anything too different, which is what I think they’re going to do, I’m going to really enjoy it,’ she told The Mirror.

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