Celebrity Big Brother Offers Dustin Diamond, Courtney Stodden A Chance At Redemption
Celebrity Big Brother is providing a pair of American celebrities a chance at redemption across the pond.
The long-running British reality show, which spawned a popular series in America, is returning with a season packed with celebrities. While most come from television and sports in the UK, two American celebrities are also vying for a chance at the show’s title — Dustin Diamond and Courtney Stodden.
Diamond is best known for his role as Screech in Saved by the Bell, but in recent years has made headlines for his problems off-camera. In 2000 he declared bankruptcy, claiming that the $2 million he made playing Screech in Saved by the Bell and its spin-offs was gone.
He later produced his own sex tape, called Screeched — Saved by the Smell.
Celebrity Big Brother is not the first foray into reality television for Dustin Diamond. He had a troubled stint on the weight-loss show Celebrity Fit Club, one in which he clashed with trainers and fellow contestants.
Courtney Stodden is also hoping for the chance to turn around her reputation through Celebrity Big Brother. The 18-year-old gained fame in 2011 when, at the age of 16 she fell in love with 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchinson. The two had a courtship over the internet and got married that year in Las Vegas.
Stodden, who is famous on YouTube for performing some of her original songs, appeared with Hutchinson on the reality series Couples Therapy.
It was originally rumored that Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown would appear on the show, but she turned down the chance and Stodden became the replacement.
The pair will have some stiff competition on Celebrity Big Brother. Also appearing are model Sophie Anderton, dancer Louis Spence, and 74-year-old soccer manager Ron Atkinson. Bruce Jones and Vicky Entwistle, who appeared together on Coronation Street, will also reunite for the show.
The full cast of Celebrity Big Brother can be found here. The show kicks off on Friday and will crown the champion on January 25, 2014.
