Big Brother star Nadia Almada talks candidly about her love life in a personal interview.
Nadia, 47, was crowned season five champion in 2004, making history as the first ever transgender contestant to star on the Channel 4 programme.
But despite it being 20 years since she won the show, traded in her raven locks for a sexy blonde and used a pseudonym on dating apps, potential suitors still recognize her, which she finds “really off-putting.”
The TV personality says she fondly remembers her time in the Big Brother house, where she endured ten weeks of cigarette rations and the explosive ‘Fight Night’ programme before winning with 74% of the vote.
Twenty years later, she hopes the next chapter in her life will include finding a partner.
Big Brother star Nadia Almada has opened up about her love life in a candid chat, saying she likes men but ‘would only get married for tax benefits’
Nadia, 47, was crowned season five champion in 2004, making history as the first ever transgender contestant to star on the Channel 4 programme.
She said The sun: ‘I love men. Men are great, men love me most of the time. But would I ever get married? For the tax benefits, yes! And also for the British passport!’
Nadia, who trained as a Vidal Sassoon hairdresser after the show and now works as a stylist, said she has no interest in modern dating shows like Love Island, describing them as “so trivial”.
She said she values real intimacy more than physical and prefers men her own age, and appreciates a “dad bod” but not a hairy back.
When Nadia entered the Big Brother house, she feared the British public would judge her for keeping her transgender identity a secret, but her sharp wit and fiery temperament kept viewers entertained.
When she was announced the winner by presenter Davina McCall, she screamed with joy as she beat fellow contestants Jason Cowan and Daniel Bryan, who had reached the final three with her.
Before deciding to become a hairdresser, Nadia pursued a career in television. In 2004, she even released a single called A Little Bit of Action, which reached number 27 in the charts.
She admitted she spent her £63,500 winnings on designer goods and holidays, but has learned to balance her finances.
For Nadia, dating as a transgender woman has never been an important topic.
When Nadia entered the Big Brother house, she feared she would be condemned by the British public for keeping her transgender identity a secret, but her sharp wit and fiery temperament kept viewers entertained
When she was announced the winner by presenter Davina McCall, she screamed with joy as she beat fellow contestants Jason Cowan and Daniel Bryan, who made up the final three with her.
She revealed that she has never faced rejection because of her gender identity; instead, she has had to end relationships when partners couldn’t handle the truth. She stressed that trans women live fulfilling lives just like everyone else.
However, she added that she feels judged daily for her identity, physicality and age. “Men get away with everything. There is huge inequality,” she said.
There is a kind of invisible cloak hanging over middle-aged women and it is a little more difficult to feel attractive to the opposite sex during this period.’
Even though she is no longer in the spotlight, her influence is still great. Adele expressed her admiration for her during one of her concerts in Las Vegas last year.
After Nadia found out Adele had mentioned her during a concert, she said, “I had an emotional breakdown.
“I just connected with my fans and the community on TikTok, so I was crying emotionally. I felt honored. I couldn’t believe that Adele knew who I was.”
She revealed that she has never faced rejection because of her gender identity; instead, she has had to end relationships when partners couldn’t handle the truth.
Despite being out of the spotlight, she still has a huge impact. Adele expressed her admiration for her during one of her concerts in Las Vegas last year.
During her show, while talking to the audience, Adele said, “Remember when reality TV was great between 2000 and 2005?
‘I remember in England the first few Big Brothers were great. I was obsessed with them. Nobody was trying to be famous.
‘I remember being in Greece and it was the Big Brother final. Things weren’t being streamed, so we were on the phone to her mum and listening to the Big Brother final on the phone.
‘That was the year a lady called Nadia won and she was the first transgender contestant to win. We were overjoyed in Greece when Nadia won Big Brother in London.’