The return of Celebrity Big Brother

10.47.06am GMT Thu 4th Jan 2007

Last night saw the return to Celebrity Big Brother, whilst I have pledged never to vote in a reality tv show again, it doesn't stop me watching them. I know its bad television, completely dumbed down and just there to make money (and fools of the contestants) but it doesn't stop me enjoyed them and using it as escapism.

Saying all that anyone that goes on must be severely gone in the head, its not even like the prizes on these programmes are that good. Most 'ordinary' contestants, I believe find it hard to adapt to life afterwards and often struggle to get a job, Jade Goody may be the exception and its quite obvious most celebrities use it to re-launch a sagging career - a prime example is Michael Barrymore

I used to try to avoid all reality TV programmes but Big Brother always ends up getting me to watch, a couple of years ago I watched the entrance night and then avoided it again until the Secret Garden. I also liked the first series of the Farm - the others I can take or leave apart from I have an absolutely loathing for Celebrity Love Island for some reason.

Anyway enough of my little rant - this year's Celebrity Big Brother are Muhammad Abdul Aziz, Dirk Benedict, Danielle Lloyd, Carole Malone, Jo O'Meara, Cleo Rocos, Ken Russell, Leo Sayer, Shilpa Shetty, Donny Torette and Ian Watkins. Celebrities? Who? I hear you ask, well to be fair some of them are, but most are not.

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Muhammad Abdul Aziz - aka Jermaine Jackson

Muhammad Abdul Aziz is better known as Jermaine Jackson and surely needs no introduction - as one of the Jackson Five and brother of Michael.

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Dirk Benedict

Dirk Benedict, a true hero, mainly for being Face in the A-Team but also for being in Battlestar Galactica. Not just a celebrity but a cult-hero for my generation. Rather fantastically whilst all the other arrived in Limos Dirk arrived in a van - class!

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Danielle Lloyd

Danielle Lloyd is apparently a model and former Miss Great Britain, which I guess could be considered celebrity in some circles. She is also a WAG well a G, as she is the girlfriend of Teddy Sheringham who I have again heard of being a former Millwall (and various other teams) player.

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Carole Malone

Carole Malone is a columnist of the Sunday Mirror - Davina says she has been catty about Big Brother contestants in the past. I guess she is doing it for the story.

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Jo O'Meara

Jo O'Meara is of S Club 7 fame - which along with Ian Watkins takes me back to the cheese on the 1990's.

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Celo Rocos

Cleo Rocos I don't remember but Kate did. She was on Kenny Everett's TV shows, not sure what she does now. But I have to say seemed very polite when meeting the other guests!

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Ken Russell

Ken Russell is known to me, but I guess not to everyone my age and certainly not younger people. He is the former enfant terrible and film director, best know for "Women In Love" and the Who's rock opera 'Tommy'. A huge Big Brother fan, he can't wait to get into the House.

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Leo Sayer

Leo Sayer, again should need no introduction, a seventies singing sensation best known for his song "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing", he also had a hit a couple of years a go with "Thunder In My Heart Again" and if memory serves correct played Coventry last year.

Bollywood Star and Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty is a Bollywood superstar. I haven't seen much Bollywood but Kate and Gemma assured me she is not one of the best but apparently has the best body in Bollywood!

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Donny Torette

Donny Torette is apparently the lead singer for Towers of London. I had not heard of him or the Towers of London last night. Kate tells me he has been linked with Peaches Geldof, who I have heard of she is Bob's daughter and did a really bad TV programme on Islam not so long ago. (I am considering appointing Kate my cultural adviser or 'down with the kids' adviser).

Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Ian 'H' Watkins

Ian Watkins is better know as H - what a stupid name! He was in Steps, which again reminds me of the cheese (see Jo).

Davina also informed us that a family will be moving in on Friday, it is heavily rumoured that it is Jade Goody's family - well at least Jade is actually a celebrity these days.

I would love Dirk or Ken to win but suspect the voting demographic will see Jo win though.