Nadia Almada talks ITV Big Brother

Big Brother legend and trans trailblazer Nadia Almada has been discussing the impact the show had on her life and the thoughts on ITV’s reboot of the iconic show. 

Speaking to ICE 36, Nadia said of the show returning to UK screens after a five-year absence: “Oh my god. It’s like a cat – how many lives does the show have? It never seems to die (laughs). Over the years, I’ve had a bit of a love and hate relationship with the show, but on this occasion, I’m delighted that it is coming back.”

 Nadia hopes the show, set to air on ITV2, will return to its original routes and celebrate diversity. No twists, no over the top producer interference.

“I think that ITV will elevate the show. I do hope that it borrows the essence of the original series – that is what all of the reports say that this show will be a throwback to the older versions of the programme. I really hope that is the case. I hope the show celebrates diversity, inclusivity and representation of our social cultural existence that is reflected in today’s society.”

Big Brother should be as far away from the format of Love Island as possible, a show Nadia admits difficulty in relating to.

“The best thing about the original series’ of the show was that it celebrated real people, normal housemates from all walks of life. That is what I hope the show returns to. Love Island has been a huge success in recent years. I found it difficult to relate to the show because of the type of people that were on there – there was a lack of representation – whereas Big Brother should celebrate and champion diversity. It’s a real show featuring real people. Big Brother is the founding father of reality TV.”

ITV2 logo ‘Big Brother style’

ITV have said they are looking for ‘everyday’ people to take part rather than the plastic, pouting, busty or six-pack types of Love Island. Hopefully character over looks; Nadia has advice for those signing up.

“Most people have great stories to tell. I think the most important thing is to be yourself and have character. We know that Big Brother can be an intense experience for the housemates, so I’m sure that the casting team will be able to find the right people to be part of it. Nobody should go in there thinking that you won’t be manipulated in some way by Big Brother. Everyone is.”

Almada competed in the fifth series of Big Brother in 2004. After 71 days in the house, she emerged as the winner, securing 74% of the overall vote and winning £63,500. Would Nadia return to the Big Brother House nearly twenty years later?

“I’ve spoken about this a few times since ITV announced they were going to bring back the show. I feel like myself and other contestants from the Channel 4 series should be part of it because we were the OG’s. We have a lot of wisdom that we can pass on. We’re like Olympic athletes – this is the Olympics of Big Brother! We’re ready to pass the torch on to the next generation of contestants. I’ve been manifesting. I’ve been thinking about being involved and I feel that we would have a lot to offer.

“I am really excited about it coming back. My mother is obsessed with the Portuguese version of the show – it has been on for years – and she asked me to apply for that version! I’m like, “Mother! That is impossible, darling.” (Laughs). Hopefully I can tell her that I can be part of the new UK version. That would be a real honour for me. It would be nice to acknowledged by the show. We’re ready to come back and show the kids how it’s done (laughs). I have a Gen X mentality but a Gen Z entitlement (laughs)! I’m way ahead of the times (laughs).”

Last night ITV revealed the ‘BB Eye’ for their first series. (Pictured top)