Chris Hughes, the reality TV star best known for his stint on Love Island, is making headlines once again as he prepares to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house. The announcement comes as the show kicks off its 2025 season, promising an exciting lineup of familiar faces and new challenges for its contestants.
Hughes, who first gained fame on Love Island in 2017, where he finished as a runner-up alongside then-girlfriend Olivia Attwood, has since become a household name. His journey through the world of reality TV has been marked by high-profile relationships, particularly with Little Mix's Jesy Nelson, and now, his anticipated return to the spotlight has fans buzzing.
On April 4, 2025, Hughes attended Ladies Day at the Grand National Festival in Liverpool, where he hinted at his upcoming plans. "I can't tell you a lot to be honest. I've got a manager behind me who's giving me a jab in the back. Yeah, a busy few weeks coming up so we'll see what happens," he told the ECHO, laughing as he added, "You'll get me in trouble." This playful banter has only fueled speculation about his involvement in Celebrity Big Brother, which airs its launch episode on April 7, 2025, at 9 PM on ITV.
In the world of reality TV, Hughes is not just a participant; he is a contender. According to predictions from AceOdds.com, Hughes is tipped to win the competition. The Supercomputer, which previously made accurate predictions for other reality shows, suggests that Hughes fits the profile of an ideal winner: a “reality TV pedigree, charm, and an ability to monologue in the Diary Room.” If he emerges victorious, he would join an elite group of reality TV winners, following in the footsteps of last year's champion, David Potts.
Hughes's relationship history adds another layer of intrigue to his public persona. After his time on Love Island, he dated Olivia Attwood, but their romance was tumultuous, leading to a split in 2018. Attwood has since spoken out about their relationship, revealing her feelings about seeing Hughes in the Big Brother house. During a recent radio show, she admitted, "It will be weird to see someone I've dated in that environment," and acknowledged that they haven't spoken in years. She even expressed her candid feelings, saying she "hated" Hughes after their breakup, illustrating the complexities of their past.
Following his time with Attwood, Hughes entered a relationship with Jesy Nelson in 2019. Their romance captured public attention, especially after Nelson referred to Hughes as her "future husband," sparking engagement rumors. However, the relationship faced challenges, including a reported altercation involving Hughes at the National Television Awards in 2020. Ultimately, Nelson's representative confirmed their amicable split a few months later, with sources stating, "Jesy and Chris split up a couple of weeks ago. It was all very amicable and they're still really good friends." Reflecting on the breakup, Hughes shared, "It was a tough period in a lot of people's personal lives and it was for me too, as breakups are never easy. It was difficult. Sometimes you just grow apart."
After his relationship with Nelson, Hughes found love with professional golfer Annabel Dimmock in August 2021. He expressed that he had "never felt this way" before, and their relationship seemed promising. However, after a year, the couple parted ways, with Hughes admitting he was "struggling" to cope with the breakup. He stated, "I always struggle a bit when it's fresh out of a relationship because everything feels different. But I'm in the gym, I'm keeping myself busy with work." It appears that since his split from Dimmock, Hughes has remained single, focusing on his career and upcoming challenges.
As he prepares to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house, Hughes is not only looking forward to the social experiment but also to meeting new people from diverse backgrounds. He expressed, "I'm looking forward to the fact that it’s very much an unknown. To meeting new people, getting to spend time with people who are from very different environments to myself and the whole social experiment behind it - the whole Big Brother experience, really." This eagerness to engage with fellow contestants could play a crucial role in his strategy as he navigates the dynamics of the house.
The Celebrity Big Brother 2025 lineup is packed with notable names, including Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke, singer JoJo Siwa, and Olympian Daley Thompson, among others. This diverse cast promises to bring a mix of personalities and drama, making for an entertaining season. The show will be hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, who are set to guide viewers through the ups and downs of the contestants' experiences.
With the show airing from Sunday to Friday, fans can expect a whirlwind of tasks, nominations, and gossip as the housemates settle into their new environment. The Celebrity Big Brother house has also moved to a new location this year, adding an element of surprise to the format.
As Chris Hughes steps back into the limelight, viewers are eager to see how he will fare in this latest reality TV venture. With his charm, experience, and a supportive fan base, many believe he has what it takes to go all the way. Whether he becomes the next Celebrity Big Brother champion remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Hughes's journey will be one to watch.
