Celebrity Big Brother 2025 star Chris Hughes is earning a legion of new fans for being an LGBTQ+ ally on the ITV show.
The former Love Island contestant has been praised for his compassion towards JoJo Siwa, 21, after she was the subject of vile homophobic comments from now-axed star Mickey Rourke.
Hughes was the only housemate to comfort Siwa after the exchange with Rourke, 72, and to educate the Hollywood actor on why his remarks were unacceptable.
In tonight’s episode, Rourke is ejected from Celebrity Big Brother after repeated warnings about his behaviour – and a fracas with Hughes in which he calls him a profanity.
Here is everything you need to know about Hughes, from his professional life, dealings with Rourke on Celebrity Big Brother and his love life.
Who is Chris Hughes?
Hughes first shot to fame as a contestant on the third season of Love Island in 2017.
On the ITV show, he was originally coupled up with Chloe Crowhurst, 28, but by the second week, he had moved on to Olivia Attwood, 33.
Hughes and Attwood finished in third place on Love Island, and their romance continued outside of the villa.
During his time on Love Island, he also struck up a friendship with Kem Cetinay, 28.
The duo, under the name Chris & Kem, briefly embarked on a music career, scoring a UK number 15 hit with Little Bit Leave It before disbanding.
In 2018, though, more TV work beckoned, and Hughes starred in reality TV show Chris and Olivia: Crackin’ On with his then-girlfriend Attwood and signed on for game show You Vs Chris & Kem.
He also published his debut book, My Life Story: You Bantering Me.
The following year, Hughes took a live testicular exam on This Morning to spread cancer awareness.
After watching the segment, Hughes’ brother Ben checked himself and found a lump, which doctors found to be cancerous.
He underwent surgery and was declared cancer-free.
The brothers later fronted documentary Me, My Brother, And Our Balls, with Ben saying: ‘Essentially Chris going on This Morning saved my life.’
Hughes is also a keen sportsman, having played football for Bourton Rovers FC and cricket for Bourton Vale CC.
He has presented live horse racing coverage with ITV Racing and BBC Sport coverage of The Hundred cricket tournament.
What did Mickey Rourke say to Chris Hughes?
Last night, Celebrity Big Brother announced Rourke had been removed from the Celebrity Big Brother house after repeated warnings about offensive behaviour.
In a preview for tonight’s episode, ITV revealed that Rourke called Hughes a ‘c**t’ during a pirate-themed task.
During the game, Hughes stepped out and looked at Rourke when Trisha Goddard said: ‘There is a rat amongst us, Captain.’
‘You looking at me?’, Rourke began.
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Siwa said to the Sin City actor: ‘Ahoy! You’re not the Captain of this ship. Ahoy! Back up, soldier.’
Ignoring her demands, Rourke told Hughe: ‘Don’t eyeball me.’
‘Mickey, it was a joke, f***ing…’, Hughes responded before being cut off.
‘Don’t f***ing eyeball me, you c**t,’ Rourke shot back.
After Siwa and Danny Beard attempted to diffuse the situation, Big Brother ordered Rourke to go to the Diary Room, where he was ordered to pack his bags.
Who is Chris Hughes’ girlfriend?
Hughes has been single for the past three years, but has been in several high-status relationships.
After his romance ended with Attwood, he moved on with Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, 33.
However, their romance ended after 16 months with a source telling Metro the split was amicable and that their relationship had simply ‘run its course.’
Hughes then started dating professional golfer Annabel Dimmock, going official on Instagram with pictures from a date at Thorpe Park.
He has been single since their relationship ended in 2022.
However, Celebrity Big Brother viewers are convinced producers are trying to create a ‘showmance’ between him and newly single Ella Rae Wise.
On the launch episode, viewers noticed that as soon as reality TV star Ella entered the famous house, the cameras panned to Chris, indicating producers’ hopes that the pair will find love.
Most recently, the pair have hatched a plan to have a colonic together after the show ends.
How old is Chris Hughes?
Hughes was born on 22 December 1992 in Gloucestershire to Paul, a farmer, and Valerie Hughes, making him 32 years old.
He has one brother, Ben Hughes, as well as four half-brothers.
Celebrity Big Brother continues tonight at 10pm on ITV and ITVX.
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