Big Brother 9 - Launch Night

Last night saw the launch of Big Brother 9, 2008. 16 wannabes entered the house to become the nations friends for the next 13 weeks.

The first to enter the house were tan-tastic couple Lisa and Mario. At 40 and 43 respectively, they are this years oldest contestants.

Next to enter was 20 year old student Luke who doesn’t drink, take drugs or swear, followed by 19 year old, ex reality TV star, Stephanie.

24 year old trainee teacher Rachel and 21 year old teaching student Dale were the next housemates to enter, bringing the total up to 6 so far.

Student Sylvia and dance teacher Dennis entered the BB house to cheers and boos. Dennis thinks everyone should be tanned while Sylvia is only in the house to win.

The next housemate was Michael, 33. He is a radio producer and has been blind for the past 10 years following an operation. Mikey was helped into the house but left to enter the main door by himself.

Self proclaimed 'It' girl Alexandra was next. Not a positive response from the crowd and will now struggle to keep her place in the house.

'Professional bully' Rex, 24 and toy demonstrator Mohamed, 23 entered the house to cheers and screams. Rex isn’t in the house for the money, Mohamed is.

Loudmouth Rebecca ruffled feathers as she got out of the luxurious taxi and bent over to reveal more of herself than necessary. Crazy, loud and enthusiastic, Rebecca bounced into the house and onto every housemate.

26 year old, albino, Darnell was the next to race into the house only stopping to throw an American football into the crowd. He was followed by part time model and full time mum Jennifer, 22.

Last but not least was squealing Kathreya. Tiny but with bundles of energy, Kathreya entered the house wearing a pink satin number with gold platform boots that only the Spice Girls would have been proud of 10 years ago.

So, that’s it! They're our friends for the next 13 weeks. Hope you're sitting comfortably because by the look of the housemates, it's going to be a bumpy ride!

Join in the discussions about the housemates here at The Big Brother Forum