Jack P Shepherd, the long-standing actor from Coronation Street, has emerged victorious in the 2025 edition of Celebrity Big Brother, triumphing over a star-studded lineup in a finale that aired on April 26, 2025, on ITV. The 37-year-old actor, known for his portrayal of David Platt for over two decades, captivated viewers with his charisma, humor, and authenticity.
As the hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best announced Shepherd's win, he was visibly overwhelmed, leaving the famous Big Brother house to thunderous applause. "I can't believe it, I am absolutely blown away. I genuinely didn't expect this," Shepherd exclaimed. Reflecting on the tense moments leading up to his victory, he admitted, "I thought I was going out fifth. Then people just kept disappearing and I thought, surely not? When JoJo left, my head just fell off — I had her nailed down as the winner." Throughout the series, Shepherd's enthusiasm for the Big Brother experience was clear. "I was skipping into the diary room even when they were telling me off," he laughed. "I loved every single moment of it."
The finale featured six finalists, including celebrated drag artist Danny Beard, American entertainer JoJo Siwa, TV star Chris Hughes, comedian Donna Preston, and pop sensation Chesney Hawkes. Each finalist reflected on their journey inside the house, filled with emotional goodbyes and heartfelt speeches.
Shepherd's relatability and long-standing connection with the British public ultimately gave him the edge. However, the season was not without its drama. One of the most significant headlines was generated early in the series when Hollywood star Mickey Rourke was removed due to "inappropriate language" and "unacceptable behavior" following a confrontation involving JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes.
During her time in the house, Siwa made headlines by revealing her decision to identify as queer rather than lesbian. "I've always told myself I'm a lesbian, but being here I've realized I'm queer — and I think that's really cool," she shared, garnering praise for her honesty and openness.
The 2025 season marks the second celebrity edition since ITV revived Big Brother in 2023, and the launch episode attracted around 2.7 million viewers, proving the format still holds a special place in the hearts of British audiences. The eclectic cast also included athletes like Daley Thompson, TV hosts such as Trisha Goddard and Angellica Bell, EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer, former MP Michael Fabricant, and reality TV stars like Ella Rae Wise.
As questions swirl about Shepherd's future, he reassured fans that he is not planning to leave Coronation Street anytime soon. Having joined the beloved soap opera at the age of 12, Shepherd expressed his desire to continue portraying David Platt for another 25 years. "I love Corrie. It's my home. Winning Big Brother has been an incredible moment, but my heart is firmly in Weatherfield," he said.
Despite the excitement surrounding Shepherd's win, some viewers expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting that his victory was a "fix". However, many fans defended his win, noting that he garnered a substantial 37% of the vote among the six finalists. Social media reactions varied, with some praising Shepherd for being himself throughout the series. "Lad has just been himself the whole way through and enjoyed his tea. Was my winner from the start!!" one fan tweeted.
Another supporter remarked, "Honestly ain’t gotta be a constant attention seeker 24/7 to win! He was a normal guy but when he had funny moments they were literally stand out!! Well deserved winner!!" Many fans echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Shepherd's dry sense of humor and genuine personality resonated with them.
In the end, while Shepherd may have taken home the crown, it was Danny Beard who many believe emerged as the true star of the season. Beard, who finished as the runner-up, was described as a "millennial Lily Savage" and was praised for his quick wit and fierce advocacy for gender non-conforming identities.
Beard's presence in the house was a testament to the importance of representation and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in light of recent political developments regarding gender identity in the UK. His humor and warmth made him a favorite among viewers, and many anticipate that his career will only continue to rise following the show.
As the dust settles on the 2025 season of Celebrity Big Brother, it’s clear that both Jack P Shepherd and Danny Beard have left an indelible mark on the series. With high-profile contestants, emotional revelations, and moments of raw humanity, this season reaffirmed why Celebrity Big Brother remains a cultural phenomenon after all these years. As Shepherd embarks on his next chapter, both in his career and newfound reality TV fame, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely and cheering him on every step of the way.
