Aisleyne, 46, tells us about Big Brother’s golden era, her famous friendships with Amy Winehouse and Nikki Grahame, and why Mike Tyson was her best boyfriend yet
She’s the no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is reality star who became a household name after appearing on Big Brother in 2006.
Finishing in third place, Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace won over the nation with her fiery attitude, heart-on-her-sleeve emotions and yes, some pretty iconic one-liners. Since then, she’s remained a reality TV staple, popping up on Ultimate Big Brother , Celebrity Coach Trip, Judge Rinder and First Dates . She’s also built a career in business, aesthetics, and fitness – though her recent health scare with black-market fake diet injections has made her more conscious about what she puts into her body.
Here, ahead of the return of Celebrity Big Brother on 7 April, Aisleyne, 46, tells new about Big Brother’s golden era, her famous friendships with Amy Winehouse and Nikki Grahame, and why Mike Tyson was her best boyfriend yet…
What’s your standout memory from Big Brother in 2006?
Finishing in third place! There were so many moments, but being voted favourite female housemate of that year was just unreal. I thought I’d be hated. I thought I was public enemy number one. So, to come out as the top female housemate out of 22 people? That was massive. I felt really empowered as a woman. I should have won but that’s another story…
You’ve been involved with Big Brother over the years – has it changed for better, or worse?
The casting has been good recently, but you just can’t top my year. And that’s not the narcissist in me speaking – it’s facts! I haven’t even watched my whole series back, but… it was just real. It felt raw. People actually went on journeys. Reality TV now? It feels scripted. I was on TikTok Live the other day, and someone asked me who won Big Brother last year. They kept saying a name, and I was like, “I don’t know who that is”. It’s forgettable, now. It’s not what it used to be.
People are too PC, too scared to have proper arguments, but people love watching a bit of drama! It’s all filtered now.
You went back into the Big Brother house in 2015 as a “Time Warp Housemate”. What was that like?
Oh, I loved being back in with Nikki]Grahame], and when I saw she was being bullied? I slayed that bully. I ruined her in an instant. Nikki was so happy I was there. But the house felt different. You could hear the camera crew behind the walls. In my series, that never happened!
I was only meant to be there for a week, but after a huge row in the house, I got called to the Diary Room. I thought, “Oh, they’re kicking me out”. But instead, they said, “You’ve boosted the ratings. Do you want to stay longer”? So, I said, “Well, that depends… how much are you paying”?
Do you keep in touch with your Big Brother housemates?
I’m still best friends with Michael Cheshire. When we met in The House Next Door, we held hands and just knew we’d be friends for life. I chat with Imogen]Thomas] online. We always say we’ll meet up, but she’s got kids, I’m busy… it never happens!
Pete]Bennett] follows me on socials, and if I saw him, I’d be all over him. But the rest? Can’t even remember their names, honey! Some were quite mean to me after the show. So nah, f**k ‘ em!
You were close to Amy Winehouse, Nikki Grahame, and Jade Goody, sadly none of whom are with us now. How do you remember them?
They were icons. Trailblazers. Nikki changed reality TV. A lot of girls have gone onto Big Brother trying to copy her energy. But she was one of a kind. Amy? God, I miss her.
I was in the gym yesterday and one of her songs came on. I burst into tears. She had this beautiful soul. And she made the best cup of tea! We’d sit for hours putting the world to rights. Jade, well, she was a massive reason I did Big Brother .
You recently had a scary experience with fake diet injections. What advice would you give to others?
DO NOT DO IT. Unless you go through your doctor, don’t touch it. I nearly died. I lost my vision. My whole body shut down. People don’t realise how dangerous these black-market jabs are.
What don’t people realise about the pressures of being in the public eye?
You have to be thick-skinned. I had a neck lift after the black-market diet jabs because I kept seeing bad angles of myself in the press. People say the nastiest things online just to get a reaction. And listen – if you’re going on reality TV thinking your life will instantly change? It won’t. A lot of people have to go back to their normal jobs, and they can’t handle it. You have to be mentally prepared for that.
You’ve dated boxer Mike Tyson, ex-Gladiator David McIntosh, and comedian Jack Whitehall – who was the best boyfriend?
Honestly? Mike Tyson. He’s so misunderstood. He cared about my mental health. He was an old-school gentleman. When I look for a relationship now, I want a best friend. Someone who understands my mad life. If you know anyone, let me know!
Aisleyne was speaking in association with Slotozilla
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