Since Big Brother’s inception in 2000 there’s only been one constant throughout the show’s history – the voice of narrator Marcus Bentley.
Whether it be the original reality TV programme’s Channel 4 heyday, its continuation on Channel 5 or the new era on ITV2 – the 56-year old’s distinctive Geordie tones have always proved a BB highlight. One of Britain’s most recognised voices, news of his return this summer for the show’s 20th series delighted fans.
In addition, Marcus has also narrated all 22 series of Celebrity Big Brother, which began in 2001 and last aired in 2018. With speculation mounting that ITV is set to reboot that show too, it is almost a given that the star will resume his role that too.
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Due to the nature of his role the star is rarely recognised with the father-of-three tending to shun the spotlight anyway. Join us as we take a look into his career so far.
Acting career
After being raised in his native County Durham, Marcus headed to Essex in his late teens to study at East 15 Acting School. It landed him roles in several television adaptations of novels by Catherine Cookson – herself a North East native until her death in 1998.
Marcus also made an appearance in London’s Burning – a 1980s and 1990s fire brigade drama – as well as featuring in a number of TV adverts. The voiceover star has also been cast in minor film roles in the past – most notably 1995 thriller Mad Dogs and Englishmen, starring Liz Hurley.
In more recent times he hosted Sky One quiz show Dirty Money, before moving to the broadcaster’s kids’ show, Mittens and Pants.
Illustrator wife
Marcus married Jools in 1997, with the couple going on to have three children. Last August they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with Marcus marking the occasion on X (formerly Twitter), with a sweet caption: “Me and my Mrs. @joolsbentle celebrate our Silver Wedding this week. We’re having a wonderful time, great theatre and food and so much love! Nothing has changed.”
Jools, meanwhile, is an award-winning illustrator for children’s books and has even penned one herself, titled The Hippopandamouse. A graduate of Cambridge School of Art, regularly shares images of her work to her Instagram account, much to the delight of her 13,000 followers.
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Big Brother reprise
When Big Brother confirmed its comeback last year many fans feared Marcus would be a casualty of the reboot – particularly after past hosts Rylan Clark and Emma Willis were ruled out of from making a return themselves. And after AJ Odudu and Will Best were confirmed as the show’s new hosts, Marcus took to social media to wish the pair well whilst his future remained up in the air.
After hailing the look of the new house as “so cool” rumours began to circulate of his return before it was finally confirmed in April this year. An insider told the Sun at the time: “It was a no brainer to have Marcus back for the new era – he is simply the voice associated with Big Brother UK.”
Excited Marcus duly added on X: “Thanks for all your support and I can’t wait for the shenanigans to begin.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
