Reality star Chantelle Houghton won over the nation when she blagged her way to victory as a pretend pop singer in the 2006 series of Celebrity Big Brother (yes, it really was that long ago).
Now, with the show set for a riveting revival, she tells new how her unusual introduction to fame changed her life and why she’s considering returning to the house.
“It was the most incredible, amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says during our exclusive chat. “It was life changing. I was so glad of the opportunity. I loved every minute of it.
“Up until that point, I didn’t know where my life was going. Then I walked in that house and it shaped my whole future.”
Chantelle, now mum to 10-year-old Dolly, has just celebrated her milestone 40th birthday. Currently single, she tells us, “I’m concentrating on my life and I’m in a really good place with my health and my wellbeing.”
Since winning CBB all those years ago, the Essex-born star has experienced her fair share of heartache – starting with her highly publicised whirlwind romance with fellow housemate Samuel Preston, frontman of rock band The Ordinary Boys.
“It was a whole love story – pure and innocent and lovely,” she recalls.
They tied the knot seven months after meeting in the house, but called it quits 10 months later in June 2007.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A STICKY SITUATION
Actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Guillaume Cyr bond with Margo Martindale and get beaten up by Jamie Lee Curtis in a riotous new comedy drama series
THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY
Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis gifts the world a new festive film this year
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for peoplepleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"
Amanda Hovanec enlisted her lover and her mother in her cold-blooded plot
'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'
Wellbeing coach Sarah-Jane Clark, from Swindon, shares how she achieved her dream of wearing a size 10 wedding dress after losing 12st
'I am so looking forward to Christmas'
Helen Flanagan shares her plans for the holidays with her new boyfriend Robbie Talbot and her kids
I'm turning the anger into positive energy
His best friend's death has made Gok Wan rethink life
‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle
Actress and presenter Kéllé Bryan on managing fame and fronting a new fashion initiative
'There were rats..it is a real jungle
Marvin Humes on his I'm A Celebrity experience, backing his buddies and the importance of kindness
'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'
Model Caprice Bourret tells new about her festive traditions and starring in and producing a Christmas film