It's 8 years today since the iconic "David's dead" moment on Celebrity Big Brother

It went down in CBB history!

Author: Alex RossPublished 12th Jan 2024
Last updated 12th Jan 2024

Despite the last few series of Celebrity Big Brother perhaps not being the most memorable, there was a total exception back in 2016, with series 17 of the hit reality show being most iconic in Big Brother history.

Eventually won by Geordie Shore star Scotty T, the series featured a stellar line-up including the likes of Gemma Collins, Stephanie Davis, Jeremy McConnell, Tiffany Pollard, Megan McKenna, David Gest, Angie Bowie, Christopher Maloney and Darren Day.

As well as Megan's iconic tantrums, Gemma walking an actual Shetland pony around the garden and Stephanie and Jeremy's up and down love story, the most talked about moment from 2016 was the now iconic "David's dead" moment.

That's right, Friday 12th January 2024 unbelievably marks EIGHT YEARS since Tiffany Pollard mistakenly thought her fellow housemate David Gest had passed away in the house, after Angie Best received the sad news that her ex-husband David Bowie had died from cancer.

After being told the news by Big Brother bosses, Angie decided to confide in fellow American Tiffany, who totally misunderstood, going into complete meltdown and letting slip the news to the rest of the house.

Once the housemates checked on David, who was resting up in bed at the time, Tiffany was left angry thinking Angie had lied to her, only to later discover the real truth.

Watch the iconic misunderstanding below:

Sadly, David Gest passed away at the age of 62 just months after his appearance in the Celebrity Big Brother house, with Tiffany leading the tributes at the time.

Sharing a photo of the pair inside the house, Tiffany wrote on X at the time: 'I'm so sad to hear about the passing of #DavidGest.My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family..#Rip💗🙏🏾💗'. (sic)

Meanwhile, fans are gearing up for the return of Celebrity Big Brother in 2024, after ITV made the decision to reboot the show, following a successful revival of the main show in 2023. Although no names have been confirmed to take part just yet, the show is due to hit our screens in March, and rumours are heating up.

Check out all of the rumoured celebs below:

Phillip Schofield

Despite resigning from This Morning and ITV/STV in 2023, reports are rife that bosses would like to re-sign Phillip Schofield for the 2024 series of CBB. Reports suggest bosses would like to kick off the rebooted series with 'huge names', making Phillip high up on their list.

Fern Britton

Former TV presenter Fern Britton is reportedly keen to appear on CBB to show a different side to herself. Reports suggest she also won't be shy in speaking about her relationship with former co-host Phillip Schofield.

Levi Roots

According to reports, chef and TV personality Levi Roots has already signed a contract for the show! A source told The Mirror: "Levi will be great for the Celebrity Big Brother house. He's got a few exciting projects coming up and he's such a fun character."

Shirley Ballas

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas is reportedly in 'advanced talks' for the 2024 series. Could we see Shirley move from BBC to ITV for the gig?

Sarah Ferguson

Bosses are reportedly plotting to sign Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, for a huge £500,000 fee!


An ITV source told the Mirror: "Sarah would be a brilliant signing for Celebrity Big Brother. She is very smart, engaging and funny. Not to mention the millions of viewers she would pull in if she began talking to housemates about the Royal Family and Prince Andrew.


"Sarah has never considered reality formats in the past but ITV bosses are hoping their offer might change that position."

Joey Essex

He's no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on shows such as I'm A Celeb, TOWIE, and Celebs Go Dating in the past, and now it looks like Joey Essex could add Celebrity Big Brother to his CV.

Louis Walsh

Louis Walsh has been pretty much out of the spotlight since The X Factor's axing, but if bosses get their wish, it looks like we could see a lot more of the 71-year-old in 2024.


Speaking about the rumours on This Morning, former contestant Rylan Clark said: "As a friend of Louis Walsh, I'd be like: 'Don't do it!' but as a viewer I think: 'You'd be great in there!' It's like that split decision of what can I say to him? But I think he would be a great housemate!"

Sharon Osbourne

If the rumours are true, Louis could be reunited with former X Factor bestie Sharon Osbourne, who is also hotly tipped to appear.

Nikita Kuzmin

Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin has reportedly signed up for the show, with bosses apparently thrilled to land his signature.

Katie Price

She's already been in the Celebrity Big Brother house twice, winning the 2015 series, but it seems Katie Price could enter for a third time if bosses get their wish!


The mum-of-five has been teasing a potential return on social media, sharing the news of CBB's return with a number of eye emojis.

Colson Smith

Coronation Street actor Colson Smith is also rumoured to enter the CBB house. According to reports, the actor, who plays the role of Craig Tinker on the soap, has held positive chats with bosses.

Rebekah Vardy

Following her high-profile court case with Coleen Rooney, it's no surprise CBB bosses were eager to sign Jamie Vardy's wife Rebekah for the 2024 series.


However, after news about her 'big money offer' was leaked to the press in January, it seems bosses have now axed their plans to sign her.

Jennifer Arcuri

Jennifer Arcuri, who claimed she had a 'four-year affair' with Boris Johnson while he was Mayor of London, is also high on the wish list of bosses, with reports suggesting they will offer her a 'high fee' to appear and spill secrets.

Chloe Burrows

Love Island star Chloe Burrows is rumoured to be entering the Celebrity Big Brother house, with reports suggesting that she could be 'in talks' to appear on the show.

James Haskell

Following his shock split from wife Chloe Madeley, reports are rife that former Rugby player James Haskell is in talks to enter the CBB house. James is apparently 'really open' to appear on the show.

Lauren Simon

Real Housewives of Cheshire original Lauren Simon has reportedly been 'confirmed' to take part in the 2024 series. Lauren, who split from her husband in 2018, recently appeared on the new series of First Dates.

ITV/STV bosses are yet to confirm any of the rumours.

Celebrity Big Brother is due to return in March.

Now read:

Celebrity Big Brother start date 'confirmed'

Everything you need to know about Celebrity Big Brother's revival

Celebrity Big Brother bosses 'plotting to sign' Sarah Ferguson for 500k fee

How to listen to Tay FM:

For great music and incredible competitions tune into Tay FM on 96.4 and 102.8FM, online, on our Tay FM app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Tay FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.