In a thrilling finale that captivated fans across the nation, Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd was crowned the winner of Celebrity Big Brother 2025 on Friday, April 25. The ITV reality show concluded after three weeks of drama, unexpected friendships, and memorable moments among its contestants.
Shepherd, who had initially been considered an underdog, triumphed over fellow finalists, including drag queen Danny Beard, who finished in second place, and pop star JoJo Siwa, who surprisingly came in third. Comedian Donna Preston, singer Chesney Hawkes, and TV presenter Chris Hughes rounded out the final standings, finishing in fourth, fifth, and sixth places, respectively.
The final night was filled with emotions as the six remaining contestants, including Hughes, Hawkes, Preston, Beard, and Siwa, gathered for a fancy dinner to reflect on their time in the house. "I can honestly say I’ve loved it, literally just the time of my life. Even when people were fighting, I loved it because that’s the whole Big Brother experience," Shepherd shared, encapsulating the spirit of the competition.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, April 22, three housemates—presenter Angellica Bell, The Only Way Is Essex star Ella Rae Wise, and EastEnders actor Patsy Palmer—were evicted, leaving only six contestants in the running for the crown. This followed a series of dramatic eliminations that included the likes of Trisha Goddard, Daley Thompson, and politician Michael Fabricant, who was the first to be evicted. The Wrestler actor Mickey Rourke faced significant controversy during his six-day stint in the house, leading to his removal due to inappropriate behavior, including homophobic comments directed at Siwa.
Rourke's exit was a notable moment in the series, as he had been at the center of attention for his actions and comments. He later expressed regret, stating he was "ashamed" of his behavior. According to evicted housemate Fabricant, some of Rourke's remarks were not aired, raising questions about the editing choices made during the show.
The Celebrity Big Brother series kicked off earlier in April 2025, garnering impressive viewership numbers. The launch attracted an average of 2.7 million viewers, with a total reach of 4.2 million. The Big Brother brand continues to thrive, surpassing 100 million streams on ITV, with the current series generating over 20 million streams on ITVX alone, marking a significant increase from previous seasons.
As the dust settles on this year’s competition, fans have expressed their emotional investment in the show, with many taking to social media to share their reactions. One viewer tweeted, "Never been this emotional at Big Brother final, I just love them all so much #CBBUK," reflecting the deep connection viewers felt with the housemates. Another fan remarked on the touching moments shared during the final dinner, saying, "JoJo's speech to Chris is actually making me so emotional omg #cbbuk."
As the show concluded, the excitement did not end there. Applications for the next series of Big Brother are now open, inviting hopefuls to participate in the ultimate social experiment set to air in 2025. The anticipation for the next season is palpable as fans eagerly await the return of the iconic reality show.
In summary, Jack P Shepherd's victory in Celebrity Big Brother 2025 not only marks a personal triumph but also highlights the ongoing popularity of reality television in the UK. With a blend of drama, heartfelt connections, and unexpected twists, this season has left a lasting impression on viewers, setting the stage for future installments of the beloved series.
