Inside Coolio’s two Big Brother appearances after rapper’s tragic death at 59
HE was one of the world’s best loved rappers, but Coolio became well known in the UK for his appearances on C4 reality show Big Brother.
The star, who died on Wednesday at the age of 59, came third in the sixth series Celebrity Big Brother in 2009, losing out to Terry Christian, who was the runner-up, and Ulrika Jonsson, who won.
But along with Ulrika, the controversial star went on to join the cast of Ultimate Big Brother the following year in 2010, the last series of the show to air on Channel 4.
Ulrika told PA that his death was a “shock” but the pair had shared “so many laughs” together.
“I spent a fair bit of time with Coolio – he was a misogynist, broke wind a lot; he fancied himself as a cook but my God, we had so many laughs,” she said.
In 2009, Coolio appeared on the celebrity version of the show alongside Ben Adams, La Toya Jackson, Lucy Pinder and Michelle Heaton to name a few.
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He was at the centre of a number of Ofcom complaints for teasing Michelle Heaton about fancing Ben Adams.
Ofcom didn’t take any further action, but said at the time: “Coolio was a ‘larger than life’ character in the house, playing the role for many viewers of the ‘villain of the piece’ where such a role, after 10 years of Big Brother, is generally expected by the audience.
“He exhibited an acerbic wit; was clearly at times quite bored; baited female housemates; and, was at times, generally unpleasant, making statements and references that appeared calculated to be potentially offensive and provoke a reaction.”
The following year he returned for Ultimate Big Brother, featuring memorable stars from past series.
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His time on the show was however very short lived as after just five days the decision was made from him leave following a series of rows with Nadia Almada.
It was mutually decided between him and Big Brother that it would be best for him to go.