This year's Big Brother housemates have begun their 13-week incarceration. First to enter the house was Bonnie, a 20 year-old care worker who describes herself as a "geezer bird".

Pete, 24, from south London, has Tourette's syndrome and sings in a band. If he wins the game show's �100,000 prize, he says he will pay off his mum's mortgage.

George, 19, entered Big Brother "to meet people who don't live and hang out in Sloane Square". Grace, a 20-year old dance teacher, is a self-confessed "Sloane Ranger".

Gay Muslim Shahbaz, 37, from Glasgow, says he has been unemployed for 21 years and likes knitting.

35-year-old Lea claims to have the largest breast implants in Britain, and has spent �35,000 on plastic surgery. She suffered jeers and booing as she entered the house.

Imogen, 23, was Miss Wales 2003. She speaks fluent Welsh, has a fear of spiders and loves to kick-box.

Mikey, from Liverpool, says he hates feminists and can't stand to be around ugly people. The 22-year-old software developer is currently single.

Dawn, from Birmingham, says she doesn't have any friends and has never been in love. Turkish-Cypriot housemate Sezer owned a trading company at the age of 19.

Head boy and part-time lifeguard Glyn is this year's second Welsh contestant. He says he is the "happiest person on earth".

Richard is a 33-year-old Canadian-born gay waiter who describes himself as a "free spirit". His dream is to become a scriptwriter.

Born in Shanghai, Lisa speaks with a broad Mancunian accent. The 27-year-old upholsterer says she once glued someone's toes together.

Nikki, a 24-year-old model and dancer, entered Big Brother to "get noticed by rich and famous men". Her dream is to marry a Premiership footballer.