Big Brother Champion Kate Lawler Reflects on 25 Years of Reality TV

Two decades after winning Big Brother, Kate Lawler has found herself back in the orbit of the reality TV juggernaut as it marks its 25th anniversary. Appearing on the current run of Big Brother: Late & Live, the 2002 champion says returning to the franchise has been "surreal", with memories "flooding back" the moment she stepped into the studio.

This year's finalists now prepare to go head-to-head for the £100,000 prize, joining the same winners' club Lawler once entered herself. The Beckenham-born personality, who famously quit her job in an investment bank to enter the house at 21, still thinks about the decision that changed everything.

Winning opened doors Lawler never expected, leading to work across TV, radio and podcasting, and even meeting her husband. However, Lawler has also watched the genre shift since her own series, noting that while there are some fantastic new shows, reality TV must be mindful of its impact on people's mental health.

Away from the spotlight, Lawler is now a married mother to five-year-old Noa, with whom she has partnered on a new kids' bento box with wagamama. Motherhood has reshaped Lawler's idea of balance, as she continues to learn to let go of the "mum guilt" and prioritize self-care.