Builder Craig Phillips left the first series of Big Brother victorious after 25 years. He details what his new life in Mallorca was really like and how it went.
He might have stepped into the Big Brother house as a 28-year-old builder from Liverpool, but in September 2000, Craig Phillips made television history as the now iconic reality show’s very first winner. Capturing the nation’s hearts with his cheeky charm and generosity – donating his £70,000 prize money to a friend in need – overnight, he swapped hard hats for headlines, with a whirlwind TV career.
Today, Craig has settled into a quieter, sun-kissed family life in Majorca, where he and his wife of almost 10 years, Laura, raise their two young children. Lennon, four, and Nelly, six. Here, he reflects in an exclusive chat with OK! on how far he’s come…
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Craig ! How has life been since your dramatic victory?
My life forever changed on September 15, 2020. I had no idea what to expect. I gained confidence because I was chosen out of about 45, 000 applicants, which included about nine months of applications, screen tests, psychiatric screening, medical tests, and police checks. I received a call from Craig stating, “You’re in – you’re one of the ten.” I believed I had already won.
What was it like to be a surveillance agent?
It wasn’t simple. We were living it 24/7 despite the cleverly edited version being shown to viewers. I frequently thought, “How can anyone make an entertaining program out of this?” while sat there bored. A production would give us topics or games to stoke the mood after we had finished our conversations. I only now realize how clever the reality television mechanics were.
Since your day, how has Big Brother changed?
Ironically, I wasn’t watching my own television show at the time. Instead of replaying what viewers saw, I used interviews and famous clips. I watched it for six or seven seasons starting with series two, but it eventually grew tiresome. It was too soon for Channel 5 to return it. Without standout characters, you can’t make great TV, despite the fact that good hosts are one thing.
What particular moment still occupies a significant place in your mind?
The confrontation with “Nasty Nick” when he was kicked out for cheating – that was a low moment. We all felt betrayed, we had a soft spot for him. Production even brought in a psychoanalyst to check on our wellbeing. To lift us, Big Brother gave us a takeaway and some cheap wine. Suddenly our mood flipped – a bit of food and drink and we were back on a high.
Since leaving the house, what have you done?
Luckily, I had a trade before Big Brother – I loved my building work. I never set out to be famous but we explored opportunities in makeover TV. My first big show was with ITV ’s Renovation Street, then BBC show House Call. After that, I signed a four-year exclusive with the BBC, doing about 150 shows a year. Over time, I did over 2,000 makeover shows across the UK and even abroad with the military in places like Bosnia, Cyprus, the Falklands and Canada.
Do you believe that reality television has significantly changed?
massively . There were no social media at the time. Every single thing will remain forever, and there are millions of people voting in. It has two sides, one for each. People can lift you up, but they can also brutally defy you.
Who has been your favorite to watch?
My favorites were the first two seasons. When David Bowie’s ex-wife arrived at the house and the news of his death broke, there was a moment not because it was “good.” It was egregious, chaotic, and difficult to watch the miscommunication that took place with Tiffany Pollard. His family experienced a tragic time in it, but it was unforgettable on television.
Who would make your ideal housemate?
Ricky Hatton . I learned his passing with such sadness. Close friends were Ricky and Ricky. On our wedding day, he even sent Laura and I a video message. His enthusiasm was fantastic. Robbie Williams would follow him. He’s always been nice and I’ve met him several times. We’ve had a few bizarre conversations about fame, including how he spent the rest of his life achieving fame, and one that came unexpectedly from Big Brother.
How did Laura and you first meet?
Approximately ten years ago, Ideal World’s green room. Laura was wearing a sporty outfit while I was demonstrating one of my power tools. I believe my first question to her was, “Would you like some chicken?” She returned to mine one day, stayed, and never left! I promised to marry you one day within a week. And I was right.
Do your kids comprehend that your father was a TV host?
Nelly is beginning to understand it while Lennon is too young to understand. She notices when people stop me because there are many British people in Mallorca. She initially expressed confusion, such as, “Do you know that lady, Dad? ” Why does she be familiar with your name?
One of the OGs, her father…
An online article about the 25th anniversary was published in England a few weeks ago. About 15 minutes of footage were included when I first entered the house. That was something I had never seen before. Nelly was shown this house by me, who said, “This is Big Brother.” The strangers greet you in this way. As the penny dropped, I captured her little face on camera. unpricey.
What will you all do after this?
The children both attend an international school in Mallorca, and we’ve been settling into life there. Our main focus is always going to be making videos. However, we’ve been discussing starting a podcast about living abroad. The next step seems to be right now.
What would you think if Lennon and Nelly decided to do Big Brother in the future?
I couldn’t stop them., I was part of that world myself. What I’d hope to do is teach them the dangers, make sure they can hold their own and have a backup plan if it doesn’t work out.
