We may know Brian Dowling for his amazing work on television and radio, but it all started in the Big Brother house.
The iconic reality series became a staple of British culture in the noughties, but the second season was one by Kildare man Brian, who was just 22-years-old at the time.
In 2001, he became the first Irish Big Brother champion as well as the first openly gay contestant. And of course, he returned for Big Brother Ultimate in 2010 where he was once again crowned the winner.
But looking back at his original stay, Brian took to Instagram and reflected upon his time on the show.
“This week it was 22 years since I entered the Big Brother House & was crowned the winner. How the hell can it be 22 years, 2001 only feels like 10 years ago. To this day, I still meet people who tell me they watched me sleep & more importantly, voted for me. Without all those votes, god only knows how it would have turned out for me,” he wrote.
“Some people may think this is such a self-indulgent post, but I’m honestly so proud of the fact that I walked through the doors of that house at only 22 years old & truthfully, a very naive one to live with 10 complete strangers,” he continued.
The father-of-one also acknowledge Big Brother’s role in his meteoric rise to fame, and influence on his career.
“In my wildest dreams, I would never have thought I would leave the winner & that is thanks to all of you who voted in your millions. You changed my life forever. The BIGGEST SHOCK of all is that I’m still working in television.”
Brian shared a snap of himself with a camera crew, and explained that the picture “was taken this week as I’m currently working on something FABULOUS.”
“I have been completely blessed & lucky in my career. However, I’m also 100% NOT AFRAID OF HARD WORK OR THE FACT THAT SOMETIMES I STILL NEED TO PROVE MYSELF.”
“Let’s be honest the industry I’ve chosen to be in is tough, fickle & can have you in tears, but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WHAT I DO & honestly, each day, I’m so thankful I still get the opportunity to do it. For me, next to being a dad, this is the greatest job in the world. So to those who voted way back in 2001 I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he concluded.
So what could this next project he is currently working on be? Well, a Big Brother reboot is just around the corner, coming to ITV later this year. So perhaps we’ll see Brian back in hosting duties?
Here’s hoping!
