As a massive fan of Big Brother, I absolutely loved the year when Pete Bennett won in 2006. Series seven will go down in history as one of the greats, with the likes of Nikki Grahame, Imogen Thomas and Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace also finding fame on the show.
Pete, now 38, won over the nation’s hearts with his loveable nature and raised vital awareness for Tourette’s syndrome, which causes sufferers to make involuntary sounds and words.
Pete would often splutter “wankers” on air, but when I catch up with him, his tics have subsided and he is a lot calmer.
“When I was little, I was the worst case ever reported in Europe,” he tells me. “The doctors always said it gets less frequent with age and when I got to 33, I remember it just slowing down a bit.”
We discuss his move into the world of acting, as well as reminiscing about the good old days of Big Brother – including stripping off in the pool and his short-lived romance with Nikki.
Pete reveals all about how he still helps other Tourette’s sufferers he’s kept in touch with from his reality days – and which BBC show he’s desperate to appear on…
Hi Pete! You’re a Big Brother icon! Looking back, how did it feel when you were told you were going into the house?
It was a massive sense of relief because I knew all my troubles would be over. I knew I was going to win, so I would be able to pay my mum’s mortgage. I knew I would be able to walk down the street and not get started on anymore because I would have raised awareness for Tourette’s. I needed to be the hero for all the kids with Tourette’s.
Esta historia es de la edición June 29, 2020 de New UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 29, 2020 de New UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'IT'S THERAPY ON ANOTHER LEVEL'
Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Metcalfe opens up on how the emotional storyline of her character Mercedes going through bowel cancer is helping her deal with losing her father to the same cruel disease
Teacher used school funds to pay hitman to kill his pregnant lover
When Jocelyn Peters bought potatoes, she didn't know one would be used to help murder her
'We held a joint funeral for my husband and my baby son'
Rhian Mannings, 47, tragically lost her son George at just one year old, and five days later her husband Paul was dead too
'I'd like to get married and so would Roger'
My Mum, Your Dad lovebirds, Roger and Janey, tell new about their 'lucky' connection and plans for the future
'You forget you're on TV, so it's very raw'
Celebs Go Dating's Chris Taylor and Tristan Phipps reveal why the experts' advice made them so emotional
Meghan 'hopes for new start with Kate'
Following the Princess of Wales' poignant cancer update, the Duchess of Sussex is reportedly ready for a reconciliation
Will Cat stay at This Morning?
Cat Deeley has faced criticism since joining the ITV daytime show, and a source tells new she wouldn't hesitate about quitting
'This is the best present could give my mum'
TOWIE favourite Gemma Collins solves a family mystery – and also discovers a surprising link to Jack The Ripper
Alison 'couldn't be happier'
Presenter Alison Hammond is loved-up and looking fabulous, and is more content than she's ever been, a source tells new
Molly set to 'make millions'
She's \"still hurting\" following her split from Tommy Fury, but Molly-Mae Hague is said to be looking to the future with an exciting new venture