"He's already an icon." Fans applaud trans Big Brother contestant Zelah Glasson

The latest season of Big Brother UK has only just begun, but one contestant has already captured the hearts of viewers across the nation. Zelah Glasson, a 25-year-old trans personal trainer from South London, has emerged as an early fan favourite, with many already declaring him the winner of the show’s 22nd series.

Zelah, who describes himself as “constantly compared to a spaniel dog” and “pretty unbearable if I don’t get my 12,000 steps a day,” made a memorable entrance during the live premiere on ITV2. With his mullet, biceps, and infectious charm, he quickly stood out among the twelve new housemates introduced by co-hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best.

In his introductory VT, Zelah shared his background: half-Indian, half-English, with a mother from Calcutta and a father from Cornwall. He also opened up about his journey as a trans man, having lived as a woman for the first 23 years of his life. “I think I’m living proof that being transgender is not a choice,” he said. “Why would I choose to go from the luxury, the sanctuary that is the women’s toilets to the horror that is the men’s?” 

Zelah’s candidness and humour have resonated with viewers, many of whom have praised the show for its inclusive casting. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, admiration, and even playful thirst. “A trans man on BBUK in the big 2025 is a huge win for representation,” one fan tweeted, while another declared, “He’s already an ICON!! So handsome as well.” 

Beyond his physical presence and charisma, Zelah is also a popular content creator, boasting nearly 90,000 followers on TikTok and over 40,000 on Instagram. He uses his platforms to share his experiences as a trans man and advocate for visibility and acceptance. 

Speaking about his decision to join Big Brother, Zelah said: “I’ve recently left the corporate world and I’m in this weird in-between while I get qualified and build my business. So it felt like a ‘why not’ situation.” He also expressed hope that his presence on the show would help “re-centre” the media narrative around trans people and show their everyday humanity. “You can’t get more personal than watching someone 24/7,” he added.

With previous trans winners like Nadia Almada (2004) and Luke Anderson (2012), Big Brother UK has a history of celebrating diverse identities.

Big Brother UK airs Sunday to Friday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.