Big Brother icon Craig Coates looks worlds away from his time on the sixth series of the show in 2005.
The former reality star is easily one of the most memorable housemates from the Channel 4 series after his close friendship with eventual winner Anthony Hutton – and his hilarious tantrums. Craig just missed out on making it to the final and came in fifth place.
Aged just 20 back then, Craig was working as a hairstylist and described himself as “fit, fanciable and deceitful”. He certainly had fun in the house and was involved in some explosive rows, including one with Anthony.
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Craig didn’t end up being one of the Big Brother housemates who would go on and secure a career in the media like Alison Hammond or Josie Gibson. And, in fact, he completely changed career after the show.
(Image: Getty Images)
Nine years after the show, in 2014, Craig revealed that he’d turned his back on hairdressing and had joined the navy. In the September of that year, he told his followers on Facebook that he had passed his final exams.
Around that time he shared a number of photos of him in his navy uniform, with camouflage gear and a beret. He explained he was learning how to use a rifle, too.
(Image: Facebook/CraigCoates)
After a year of training, in November the same year, Craig said that he was “finally” going out to sea, but he was nervous about it. However it didn’t end up being a long-term career.
By 2016, Craig had returned to hairdressing, showing off his flair for styling in posts online. Then, in 2021 he announced that he was the new owner of Chalk Hairdressing in Norwich.
(Image: Instagram)
The business’ social media accounts don’t appear to have been updated since then, however it looks like customers were happy. A Google Review from 2021 reads: “I had a fabulous experience at Craig’s new salon. His attention to detail is second to none and he works so hard to make you feel and look amazing.”
Despite going back to hairdressing, Craig still has a link to the Navy. According to his Facebook profile, Craig’s husband Joe still works with the Navy.
(Image: Instagram)
Big Brother finally returned to screens, this time on ITV, earlier this year. It was previously on Channel 4 and then Channel 5.
Speaking in 2009, when it was reported that Channel 4 would be axing the show the following year, Craig seemed happy by the news. He told North Norfolk News: “I’m not surprised about it, because it’s not very good.
“I don’t have a lot to do with it any more, but it’s good news. Goodbye to car crash television.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
