Samuel Preston Opens Up About Big Brother Fame and Personal Struggles
Samuel Preston, the former frontman of the Ordinary Boys, has candidly shared his experiences with sudden fame, personal trauma, and his journey back to music. In a recent interview, Preston reflected on the intense notoriety he gained after appearing on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006, which catapulted him into the national spotlight.
The Rise and Fall of Celebrity Status
Preston described his entry into the Big Brother house as an "experiential" decision, initially viewing it as an ironic art piece. However, the show's focus on his relationship with fellow contestant Chantelle Houghton quickly turned into a tabloid frenzy. "It quickly became a nightmare," Preston admitted, detailing invasive media coverage, including topless photoshoots and constant paparazzi attention.
He married Houghton in 2006, selling their wedding pictures to OK! Magazine for a reported £300,000 each. Despite the glamour, Preston felt trapped by fame, stating, "I relinquished control" as he contorted himself to fit celebrity expectations. This period led to mental health struggles, with Preston revealing he was on Prozac and felt isolated despite the public attention.
Career Shifts and Near-Death Experience
After the Ordinary Boys disbanded in 2008, Preston moved to the United States, pursuing a solo career that faltered but led to successful songwriting for artists like Kylie Minogue, Cher, and Olly Murs. In 2017, a near-fatal accident changed his life: he fell from a second-floor balcony, resulting in severe injuries and a subsequent addiction to OxyContin during recovery.
"I had a weekend where I vomited and shook in bed, fitting. It was awful," Preston recalled of his cold turkey withdrawal. He wrote about the experience in the song "Live Forever," later given to Liam Payne, whose own tragic death added a poignant layer to the story.
Return of the Ordinary Boys
Now, at 44, Preston is reigniting the Ordinary Boys with their new single "Peer Pressure," their first release since 2015. He expressed a renewed focus on creating political music that addresses contemporary issues like billionaires, AI, and societal challenges. "I want to do it again. I want to do it bigger. I'm really ready," he declared, highlighting his commitment to the band's comeback album.
Preston acknowledged past regrets, noting how peers from the mid-00s indie scene have achieved arena success, but he distinguishes between fame and musical passion. "Being a famous musician is totally different," he said, emphasizing his desire to connect with audiences through meaningful art rather than celebrity status.
The Ordinary Boys' resurgence marks a pivotal moment in Preston's tumultuous career, blending personal redemption with creative revival.
