Cameron Cole made Big Brother history in 2018 by becoming the youngest winner ever, at the age of 19. His triumph was especially significant because many believed it would be the show's final season. Cole won fans with his honesty and with the moment he came out as gay on live TV, a scene that touched housemates and viewers across Britain. The win brought him £100,000, which he later laughed off as an “accident” since he hadn’t planned much beyond the game.
While many alumni chased fame, Cole stepped back from the spotlight. He prioritised school and close connections over show business, keeping his life calm and stable. Now, as Big Brother returns to ITV with a new season on Sunday, September 28, Cole's victory remains a remarkable moment in the show's history and a reminder of how one teenager's bravery made an indelible impression on reality television.
Cameron Cole’s coming out moment on Big Brother and his victory explored
Cole's decision to reveal his sexuality on Big Brother created television gold. He had only told his best friend beforehand and written letters to his family, which he still keeps today. Cameron Cole once thought his big reveal might crash and burn with both housemates and viewers. Instead, he got nothing but support from everyone watching. Talking to Metro, he laughed about how strange it feels now.
“Once you come out on TV, you can’t really do it again,” he said.
He admitted he doesn’t even think about it anymore because, well, what’s the point of hiding? That moment lifted years of pressure off his shoulders and let him live openly for the first time.
“It’s out there everywhere, and for that, I’m very grateful,” Cole added.
Explaining:
"I probably wouldn't have been living my true life which is never obviously a good thing."
Cameron Cole never set out to win Big Brother, and yet at 19, he left the house as its youngest champ, bagging a whopping £100,000 and zero plans for it. When Emma Willis asked how he’d spend the cash, he shrugged as he hadn’t thought that far.
His victory wasn’t some mastermind plot; it was pure Cameron, all honesty and awkward charm, which made viewers root for him even more. While Big Brother alums like Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson turned TV fame into a career move, Cole zigged where others zagged.
He relocated to London, studied psychology, and kept his love life private. No brand agreements, no headlines, no frenzied drive for the spotlight; just a modest, grounded journey that demonstrated you don't need celebrity to create a legacy.
Where is Cole now?
Cole went on to study psychology in London. He also got into a long-term relationship with his partner, whom he met in the city. Nevertheless, he has been keen on keeping his private life away from the limelight.
Cameron Cole commemorated the fifth anniversary of his Big Brother triumph with an Instagram post in 2023, digging out old images from the house and describing those 53 days as the finest of his life.
He quipped that he was delighted the program had resumed because he did not want to be remembered as the "last ever winner." Cole stated he missed everything, from weird tasks to diary room admissions.
While other victors rushed into the spotlight, Cole walked away, demonstrating that sometimes the true reward isn't fame at all for some people, but rather some peace of mind.
Big Brother airs Sundays through Fridays at 9 PM ET on ITV2 and streams on ITVX.