There was a time where Love Island stars were expected to, erm, stay in their lane when it came to dipping their toes in to other reality shows. Whoever the king or queen of reality telly was at the time (Davina McCall? That was a joke) basically decreed that Islanders weren't allowed on other reality shows (except maybe TOWIE) because they were Love Island stars and that's that. Luckily for us Love Island lovers, the likes of Olivia Attwood (I'm a Celeb), Zara McDermott (Strictly 2023), Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu (Celebrity Big Brother 2023) Tasha Ghouri (Strictly 2024) have paved the way since then and now Islanders are greeted with open arms by all sorts of telly big wigs.
So, naturally, with Love Island: All Stars coming to a close next week and our attention turning to the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother, we've been anticipating a big Love Island name to sign on as a housemate for 2025. And lo and behold, it seems CBB producers have bagged themselves one; one that comes with a hella load of backstory, a few celebrity exes and some movie star good looks that never go amiss for show's like this, let's be honest.
According to The Sun, none other than Love Island 2017 finalist Chris Hughes will be taking part in Celebrity Big Brother in just a few weeks time. Yep, the former Mr Olivia Attwood AKA 'Sit down...I am sat', Chris Hughes.
A source recently told the publication, 'Producers think Chris will be a great addition to the house.
'He is really entertaining and was one of the most popular and iconic reality contestants with a massive social media following.
'Execs are hoping he will bring his huge young fanbase with him to the show, along with some juicy tales.
'He's got loads of showbiz mates and has some famous ex girlfriends - he'll be brilliant.'
Of course, this is still all speculation, and we won't know the cast's identity for certain until ITV make their official announcement. In fact, a a Big Brother spokesperson told the publication, 'All names are purely speculation at this stage.' Boo.
So don't get too excited. But get a little excited – no smoke without fire and all that.
From his faultless rapping skills and bromance with Kem Cetinay, to his unparalleled confidence - who could ever forget that iconic 'everyone one in this villa fancies me' moment? Chris was a fan favourite who made it to the final with the equally as iconic Olivia.
Following a turbulent time together, Chris and Olivia eventually split in February 2018 and since then Chris has dates some seriously high-profile ladies – no doubt producers are hoping he will spill the tea on these relationships in the CBB house – including Little Mix star Jesy Nelson and professional golfer Annabel Dimmock.
The second series of Celebrity Big Brother returns to ITV in Spring 2025.
WATCH: Olivia Attwood reacts to her iconic meme
Ben Pulsford is a digital writer for Bauer Media, writing for both Closer online and heatworld. When he's not getting paid to gossip about Big Brother, Love Island, and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, he's storming the London LGBTQ+ scene as drag queen, Beary Poppins. Both Ben and Beary are awaiting an invite to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire for series 18. The budget's not there, but the drama is 💅.