Coronation Street star Jack P. Shepherd entered the Big Brother house this week and pal Colson Smith has addressed the news after being on Celebrity Big Brother himself last year

Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Colson Smith has addressed his pal Jack P. Shepherd being announced as part of the line-up for the new series. It comes following the launch, which introduced the latest housemates.

The show returned for its second series on ITV last night, with a host of new housemates having been seen entering the Big Brother house during the live launch. They included actor Jack, 37, who is best known for having played David Platt on Coronation Street for more than two decaces.

His involvement comes after his pal and colleague Colson, 26, was a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother just last year. Colson was supported by Jack, with whom he co-hosts a podcast, at the time and ended up placing third in the final.

Colson – who plays Craig Tinker on Corrie – shared a video on his Instagram Story following Jack’s introduction VT during the launch episode. Colson said: “He’s in! He’s in! Jacky P’s in the house. Who knew? Who’d have thought it?”

He continued in the message to his followers at the time: “I feel more nervous now or felt more nervous watching Jack than I think I did when I walked in. But he’s in. He’s gonna be … what a VT! He’s gonna be mint. He’s gonna be great.”

Elsewhere in the video, Colson shared that whilst Jack’s in the Big Brother house, he and Ben Price, 53, will release daily episodes of the On the Sofa podcast – which is usually hosted by the three of them. He said: “We’re doing daily reaction episodes so get ready to check them out.”

In a “surprise” episode of the podcast released last night, Jack said producers had reached out to Colson ahead of Celebrity Big Brother’s new series. He said they had asked him if he had any friends who would consider taking part.

Colson gave an insight into his experience in the Big Brother house to his pal Jack during the episode, which was filmed days ago. Sharing his excitement over his friend now taking part, Colson said on the podcast: “I’m proud. I’m excited. I’m well up for watching. Genuinely I’m really excited for you.”

Prior to the line-up being announced, Colson teased in a video message last night: “Celeb Big Brother’s back on tonight. Wonder if there’s anyone going in it worth watching. I’ll put it on. I’ll put it on and I’ll see who’s in and then I’ll decide if I’m gonna stick with it and watch it, I reckon.”

Colson took part in the first series of ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother revival last year. He was a finalist alongside the likes of Fern Britton and Louis Walsh. David Potts was crowned the winner, whilst Nikita Kuzmin was the runner-up.

Jack is among the housemates on the new series. The other housemates this year include presenter Trisha Goddard, EastEnders cast member Patsy Palmer and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard.

Asked what he’s most looking forward to, Jack said ahead of entering the house: “Probably just every experience that comes with it – the Diary Room, the nominations.” The soap star added: “I think I’ll like the tasks because that’s the big event – when you can all come together.”

Celebrity Big Brother continues tonight from 9pm on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player. It will be followed by companion show Late & Live on ITV2 and ITVX from 10pm.

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