Samuel Preston, frontman of the Ordinary Boys, has opened up about his turbulent journey from Celebrity Big Brother fame to near-death experiences and addiction, as he prepares for the band's comeback. The 44-year-old singer described his stint on the 2006 series as a 'nightmare', leading to heavy use of Prozac and a deep dislike of fame. Now, after years as a successful songwriter for Kylie Minogue, Cher, and Olly Murs, he is reuniting the Ordinary Boys for their first new single since 2015, 'Peer Pressure'.
Preston's fame skyrocketed after his relationship with fellow contestant Chantelle Houghton captured national attention. The pair 'trauma-bonded' during the show and married in August 2006, selling their wedding photos to OK! magazine for a reported £300,000 each. However, Preston admits the experience quickly became overwhelming. 'I hated being famous,' he said. 'I hated, hated, hated it.' He was put on a heavy dose of antidepressants and struggled with the intense media scrutiny.
The singer also reflected on his near-fatal fall from a balcony and subsequent OxyContin addiction, which he has since overcome. Despite the challenges, Preston says he has no regrets about his Big Brother appearance, which he initially viewed as 'some kind of Warholian, ironic art piece'. He defended selling his wedding photos, stating: 'All these footballers would do it, why not me?'
Now, Preston is focusing on the Ordinary Boys' return, noting that revisiting their early albums reminded him of their political edge. 'Every song was: don't get a job, capitalism is bad,' he said. The band's new single marks their first release in nearly a decade, following a reunion gig in east London.
