Big Brother fans hail Gemma Collins' return: "Beyond iconic"

Big Brother fans have reacted to Gemma Collins entering the house in tonight's episode (9 October), with viewers taking to social media to share their thoughts on the reality TV star's arrival.

The former TOWIE star, known as The GC, previously appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, where she delivered some of the show's most memorable moments.

Among her famous quotes from that season are "I'm claustrophobic, Darren" and "Get that fire exit door. I'm off".

Related: Big Brother host breaks silence on Gemma Collins rumours: "I don't think TV can get better"

Her entrance was revealed during tonight's instalment, with hosts Will Best and AJ Odudu making the announcement ahead of Friday night's eviction.

After Pauline's eviction from the house, Gemma made her dramatic entrance, bringing in a new house theme with her - the House of Power.

Gemma entered the house to the screams and chants of fans, telling Will and AJ: "Do you know what? I'm claustrophobic, Darren."

Speaking about her friends Jedward, who previously entered the house as guests this season and were in attendance, she said: "They just said to me to go in and have fun. So that's what I'm going to do."

When Gemma entered the house, the housemates screamed in shock, and Gemma told them: "You're all doing amazing."

She asked Lynx to cook her a roast dinner and told Rochelle: "You are hilarious, honey."

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"One thing I'm going to say to you all. We need to up the energy," she said, adding: "We just need a bit of fun this week. It's Friday night!"

She said: "For the next 48 hours, can we just have fun?" She also referenced Jedward's 'splashgate' incident, joking that she wouldn't splash Omar in the hot tub.

Following the GC's arrival, viewers were quick to share their reactions online, with one fan writing on X: "LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Gemma Collins in Big Brother House already. GO, GO, GO THE GC!"

Another added: "There really is NOBODY like Gemma Collins 😭😭 you see how she went in there and just controlled TF outta that room i’m cryinggggg."

"Obsessed with people expecting Gemma Collins to bounce through the door & start tearing strips off them, but instead she's come in like Mother Theresa bringing peace, love & good vibes," said one viewer.

A third said: "Guys she’s just walked in it’s not like she’s gonna enter the house yelling ofc you need to be cordial let them go to sleep and see what happens tomorrow."

Big Brother airs on ITV2 and streams on ITVX.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy. 

A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre. 

In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.