Big Brother UK: All the alumni who passed away but left their legacy on the show

Big Brother UK is back on ITV for its 2025 season, and it’s a milestone worth watching. The show turns 25 this year, marking 25 years of strangers living together under constant observation. AJ Odudu and Will Best welcomed twelve new housemates to the 2025 season with charm, mayhem, and the confidence that only reality TV can instill.

Big Brother has transformed ordinary people into headline-makers over the course of its decades-long run on Channel 4, Channel 5, and now ITV, producing memorable moments and notable conflicts throughout its run. But underneath the turmoil and diary-room rants is a more human narrative. A handful of past housemates have passed away since their time in the house, reminding fans that fame fades, but people leave lasting marks. This silver-anniversary season isn’t just about strategy or survival; it’s also acknowledging the past housemates who contributed to the show’s history.

Big Brother UK cast members who have passed away and their legacy

Jade Goody first burst onto screens in 2002’s Big Brother, and the only way to describe her was as loud, funny, and totally herself. People either loved her or couldn’t stop talking about her, and soon she was one of the show’s biggest stars. But when she returned for Celebrity Big Brother in 2007, things went downhill fast. Her arguments with Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty sparked a national scandal, and Jade went from fan favorite to headline villain overnight. A year later, she joined India’s Bigg Boss, only to find out she had cervical cancer. Jade never hid it; she shared everything, hoping her story might help others. When she passed away in 2009 at just 27, doctors said her openness led to more women getting tested, something they called “the Jade Goody effect.”

Then came Nikki Grahame, the memorable housemate from Big Brother 2006. She could go from laughing to yelling “Who is she?!” in seconds and somehow make everyone laugh with her. But behind the big personality, Nikki was fighting a long, painful battle with anorexia. Lockdown made things worse, and even with her family’s help, she passed away in 2021 at 38. Her story prompted discussions about important conversations about eating disorders and how hard it can be to get help.

Sophia Brown didn’t last long on the 2009 season, just one week, but she left her mark anyway. She had been living with lupus since she was seven, even though doctors once said she might not survive childhood. She proved them wrong for decades. When Sophia passed away in 2012 at 30, former host Davina McCall shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering a woman who showed that strength doesn’t always need screen time.

What were their impact?

The deaths of former housemates serve as a sad reminder that beneath the bright lights, diary-room rants, and eviction-night screaming are real individuals coping with real issues, doing their best to live out their lives.

Some used their time on television to promote cervical cancer screenings, mental health awareness, and support for chronic conditions. Their stories did not end when the cameras stopped rolling; instead, they left lessons that go well beyond reality TV drama.

As Big Brother UK blows out 25 candles, it's clear that the show has evolved from a quirky social experiment to a mirror reflecting the turmoil, magic, and meaning of ordinary life. This anniversary season brings in a brand-new crew of hopefuls, all eager to stir the pot while tipping its hat to those who walked (and stomped) through those famous doors before them. Through tears, tantrums, and the occasional touching moment, Big Brother still proves that the reality comes from the housemates' experiences and personal stories.

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Big Brother UK 2025 airs Sundays on ITV1 and streams nightly on ITV2 and ITVX.

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