Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton on dark side of show

Originally from Consett, Anthony Hutton emerged victorious from Big Brother in 2005 when he was only 23 years old.

The next day he was given a quarter of a million pounds through a magazine deal, and more money was to come his way through TV work and sponsorship deals.

However, his time in the limelight was short-lived.

Anthony Hutton (Image: ITV) The realisation that he was no longer “Anthony off Big Brother”, combined with a lifestyle of excess, ultimately led him into a dark state of mind.

These admissions from Anthony have been captured in a new film that will be premiered at the Tees Valley International Film Festival next month.

Centred around the experience of 2005 Big Brother winner, “Surviving Reality: Beyond the TV Dream”  also features interviews with 2006 BB winner Pete Bennett and 2002 housemate, Hartlepool’s Jonny Regan.

The film delves into the psychological and social challenges faced after the show, contrasting their fame with the often-overlooked struggles that follow.

Anthony Hutton at a public speaking event in relation to the prevention of male suicide (Image: LYCETTS) To rebuild his life, Anthony moved to Darlington and began a career in the hair industry.

It was this newfound passion and a payout from the News of the World phone hacking scandal that allowed him to open up the popular town centre bar and barber shop Mr Huttons.

Nineteen years on from his Big Brother success, Anthony is happily married with two young sons and has recently set up the groundbreaking Never Throw in the Towel Project, an initiative designed to improve mental health and reduce suicide in men through outdoor activity, open conversation and cold water therapy.

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The success of the Never Throw in the Towel Project’s monthly events has led to Anthony being invited to major companies such as Amazon, and even prisons to speak about his experiences and how others can find strength and support through times of challenge.

Speaking of his role in making the film, Anthony said: “While I adored my Big Brother experience and have a lot to thank the show for, recalling the harder times that followed was tough. It was an eye opener to discover that my highs and lows on the reality TV rollercoaster mirrored those of other BB winners, but also heart-warming that we made it through the low points and got to share our stories in the film”.

“Surviving Reality: Beyond the TV Dream” will be premiered at the Tees Valley International Film Festival at ARC Stockton on November 7.