‘I thought it could be a career ender:’ An oral history of Big Brother, 20 years on

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery ‘You either played the lottery or you auditioned for Big Brother:’ Kate Lawler entering the house in 2002 Craig Phillips: I was put into groups and asked to do various tasks. Craig Phillips: Even after I’d won, when I was on my own in the house, I asked Big Brother if Joanne was there – nobody knew what I was going to do with the prize money – and they just said, “Craig, you know the rules: Big Brother doesn’t tell you what is going on outside.” I was like, “Come on, the bloody show has ended!” Big Brother was Big Brother until the end. open image in gallery ‘I was the last person in Britain to find out how big the show had become:’ Davina McCall with first series winner Craig Phillips Kate Lawler: I remember being on the stage surrounded by my family and the other housemates. open image in gallery Cult viewing: Davina McCall presenting a Friday night eviction episode of ‘Big Brother’ Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace: Davina was imperative, and made the show work so well.