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Big Brother Winner Gives Away Entire Fortune
4 Oct
Summary
- Craig Phillips won Big Brother's first season in 2000.
- He donated his entire £70,000 prize money to a friend.
- Phillips later built a career as a DIY expert and presenter.
Craig Phillips, who became the first winner of Big Brother in 2000, is still celebrated for his remarkable act of kindness. Phillips, then a 28-year-old builder, decided to donate his entire £70,000 prize to support a friend needing a critical heart and lung transplant in the USA.
His victory on the original Channel 4 series significantly boosted fundraising efforts, helping to reach the £250,000 target for his friend's operation. Phillips continued his commitment to charity through various fundraising events.
Beyond his generous donation, Phillips leveraged his practical skills to build a career in television. He appeared on shows like '60 Minute Makeover' and 'Trading Up' as a DIY expert and presenter. He also released a charity single that charted, benefiting the Down's Syndrome Association.
Currently, Phillips resides in Spain with his family, where he co-founded the Mr & Mrs DIY TV channel. He also famously had a pivotal confrontation with fellow housemate 'Nasty Nick' during his original season, a moment that became a defining highlight of the series and earned him an award.
