In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 series of Celebrity Big Brother, Jack P. Shepherd has been crowned the winner, triumphing over a star-studded cast in a live final that aired on April 25, 2025. The beloved Coronation Street actor, known for his role as David Platt, edged out runner-up Danny Beard and third-place finisher JoJo Siwa in a nail-biting finale hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best.
After nearly three weeks of reality television antics, the live final showcased the remaining six housemates, including Chris Hughes, Chesney Hawkes, and Donna Preston, who all vied for the coveted title. The public vote determined the outcome, with Shepherd’s calm demeanor and strategic avoidance of drama leading him to victory.
Shepherd, 37, expressed his disbelief at winning, stating, "Surely not?" during the live reveal. He admitted that he had not expected to win, having initially thought JoJo Siwa was the likely champion. "I figured that I might annoy a few people and they might not know how to work me out but I guess I was liked by the end," he reflected in his first interview post-victory.
The final itself was not without its controversies. Earlier in the series, 72-year-old actor Mickey Rourke was removed from the house after just six days due to inappropriate language and aggressive behavior. His departure sparked discussions about the impact of celebrity antics on the show, with many viewers divided on whether his presence had been beneficial or detrimental.
Throughout the series, viewers were treated to a mix of friendships and alliances, notably the budding relationship between Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa. Their flirtatious bond raised eyebrows, particularly given Siwa's existing relationship, leading to speculation about the motives behind their closeness. Siwa, 21, finished strong in third place and expressed gratitude for her time in the house, stating, "I thought everyone was going to hate me, and I'm so grateful for finishing in third." She also highlighted her bond with Hughes, calling him a vital part of her life.
The final placements were as follows: Jack P. Shepherd took the crown, Danny Beard, a drag performer, came in second, JoJo Siwa finished third, Donna Preston fourth, Chesney Hawkes fifth, and Chris Hughes sixth. The series had its share of drama, particularly during the "Triple Tuesday" eviction, where three housemates—Patsy Palmer, Ella Rae Wise, and Angelica Bell—were sent packing, leaving the final six to battle it out for the title.
Despite the excitement of the finale, the series faced criticism for being one of the dullest in recent memory, with some pundits suggesting that the house dynamics lacked the spark of previous seasons. The viewing figures reflected this sentiment, with the show experiencing a significant drop to an average of 2.5 million viewers, marking one of the lowest ratings for a launch episode in Celebrity Big Brother history.
In the wake of Shepherd's win, fans took to social media to express their reactions, with many celebrating his victory as a triumph of authenticity in a season filled with drama. Comments ranged from praise for his down-to-earth demeanor to disbelief that he had outlasted more flamboyant personalities like Beard and Siwa.
Looking ahead, applications for the next series of Big Brother are already open, with fans eager to see who will step into the iconic house next. The civilian version of Big Brother is set to return later this year, promising more drama, challenges, and the ever-present possibility of unexpected alliances.
As for Shepherd, winning Celebrity Big Brother could potentially boost his career, as past winners have often seen increased visibility and opportunities following their time in the house. His journey from being the most-nominated housemate to the champion illustrates the unpredictable nature of reality television, where public perception can shift dramatically.
In summary, the 2025 Celebrity Big Brother finale brought a mix of surprises, emotional moments, and a fair share of controversies, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Big Brother saga. With applications now open, the excitement for the next series is already building, and viewers are left wondering what new dynamics and personalities will emerge in the next installment of this iconic reality show.
