'Going back into the house is a no-brainer'

Chantelle Houghton opens up about Big Brother, break-ups and why she wants to help other women

- AMY JONES

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.