EXCLUSIVE: Nicola McLean has opened up about what it’s like living in the Celebrity Big Brother house and how difficult it is to get airtime when surrounded by big personalities
Nicola McLean have revealed exactly how difficult it is to get airtime in the Celebrity Big Brother house.
The former glamour model and media personality first appeared on the reality series in 2012 and again in 2017 for the All Star vs New Star season.
As the 2025 series of CBB continues on ITV1, viewers have been left concerned for some of the famous housemates due their lack of airtime.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one person said: “We need more Jack, Angelica and Donna scenes #CBBUK.”
Another added: “I’m gonna need a LOT more Patsy, Jack P Shepherd and Donna content #cbbuk.”
A third agreed: “Give Angellica and Donna screen time NOW #CBBUK.”
I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! star Nicola has now explained that it’s “really hard” to get airtime unless you’re naturally a big personality.
Speaking on behalf of WhichBingo, Nicola explained: “It’s really hard to get airtime there. You’ve got to think, you go into this house with 12 other people. and to be a big character in there, you’ve really either got to be a massive character or you’ve really got to have balls.
“It is very easy to just go ‘do you know what? I’m just going to sit back’ but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, unless you’re me and have done it three times.”
Despite already taking part in CBB twice as well as appearing on the civilian series, Nicola admitted that she’d “run” back into the house if she was asked back again.
She said: “I’d get that Celebrity Big Brother suitcase from the garage that I’ve still got and I’d be running to the house.
“I would absolutely do it. To sit on that chair again, I just love it. It’s so hard in there but I feel so grateful I’ve got to do it.”
The 2025 series has only been on screens less than a week and speculation has already turned to who will be crowned winner.
Sharing her thoughts, Nicola added: “I think Trisha will win it and quite rightly so but who would I’d like to win it is Danny Beard.
“The look on launch night was unbeilable and I’m always going to go for the flamboyant character.”
Celebrity Big Brother airs Sunday to Thursday on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player at 9pm