Big Brother UK: Zelah Glasson brings trans-representation to the show 

Zelah Glasson stepped into the Big Brother UK house on September 28, 2025, and made history. The 25-year-old personal trainer from South London became the first trans man to join the show since its 2023 reboot. He’s following in the footsteps of icons like Nadia Almada, who made headlines in 2004, and Luke Anderson, who won in 2012, but this time, it feels like a new chapter for trans representation on one of TV’s biggest stages.

For anyone who’s never seen Big Brother, it’s basically a social experiment disguised as chaos. Contestants live together in a camera-filled house, cut off from the world, and try not to lose their minds while viewers vote on who stays. It’s part strategy, part soap opera, and part stress test, and somehow, always addictive.

Zelah isn’t walking in empty-handed either. He has nearly 90,000 TikTok fans and over 40,000 Instagram followers, who already know him for his warm and funny posts about inclusive fitness and body confidence. He’s also building an LGBTQ+ business and using his platform to make fitness spaces feel safer for everyone. Viewers have already rallied behind him, and so have advocacy groups, calling his presence a big win for visibility and good vibes on primetime TV.

Big Brother UK: Who is Zelah Glasson?

Glasson works as a personal trainer specializing in serving transgender clients and women. He draws directly from his own journey, having lived as a woman for 23 years before starting his transition two years ago.

His social media presence features workout routines while sharing his experiences as a transgender man. This blend of fitness expertise and personal authenticity has earned him a large following across multiple platforms. He is currently developing his own LGBTQ+ business venture, expanding his professional focus beyond individual training. His entrepreneurial efforts demonstrate his commitment to creating inclusive spaces within the fitness industry.

Glasson described himself as a "spaniel dog" in his introduction video, promising to be high energy throughout the competition. He expressed concern about managing that energy without access to his main coping mechanism: the gym.

"I might get a little bit unbearable without the gym," he admitted.

He characterized himself as highly social and naturally gravitates toward organizing group activities. This inclination suggests that he may take on leadership roles during house tasks and challenges.

"I'm really looking forward to the tasks, so I think I'd be someone who can throw themselves into that," Glasson shared.

Glasson expressed a desire to "re-centre" narratives around transgender individuals. He emphasized being "living proof that being transgender is not a choice" during his introductory segments. He used humor when addressing his transition, joking about abandoning "the luxury, the sanctuary of the women's toilets" for men's facilities. This lighthearted approach shows his comfort in discussing his experiences.

However, the September 29 episode revealed an unexpected vulnerability regarding his surgery scars. Speaking in the Diary Room, he acknowledged feeling self-conscious for the first time about his chest scars.

"I am usually pretty proud of my scars," he explained, noting awareness of the hot tub situation and not yet discussing his transition with other housemates.

He wants fellow Big Brother contestants to judge him on first impressions rather than his gender identity, though he recognizes visible surgical scars may prompt conversations about his background.

Overall viewer reception of Zelah’s entry

Transgender advocacy charity Not A Phase praised his participation on Big Brother, declaring on Instagram:

"You're already our winner."

This immediate support reflects broader community appreciation for his visibility. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Glasson has a girlfriend, Francesca Ridella, whom he plans to take on holiday if he wins as an apology for his absence during filming. Representation like Glasson’s is important, especially on mainstream and widely watched shows like Big Brother.

For years, reality television has reflected mainstream beliefs, and featuring trans competitors on shows helps normalize identities that viewers may not often see. It showcases real individuals with genuine stories rather than headlines or caricatures. Watching a trans guy navigate friendships, problems, and everyday moments on national television is not only refreshing; it also quietly changes people's understanding of gender, identity, and inclusion.

---

Big Brother UK airs on ITV2 and is available for streaming on ITVX in the UK.