BB FANS

Do they have much choice? When it comes to publicity, Big Brother is as good a way as any to get broad, even national, coverage for an event or run of shows or whatever.

Some (not necessarily me) would argue that the muppets would be bigger muppets by not cashing in on that enormous publicity etc. particularly if the person in question has any ability at all that could be put to good use.

(I'm only offering an alternative viewpoint to what's on the table already)

Totally agree Cameron. I think this one touches a nerve with me as I have dabbled in professional theatre and know a lot of people who have worked their guts out to get where they are while "TV stars" just walk in to the plum roles without the slog.

The luvvie websites are carrying the Saturday Night Fever rumours and thankfully shooting them down with official back-up. I suppose it was an inevitable thing really as he is pushing the 70's thing so much. I wouldn't be surprised to see him turn up in a touring production at some point, but West End? Nah!

Maybe sum productions need famous names, but two weekends ago I saw Billy Elliot in London, they haven't many well known actors if any really in the the production, of course there are people that have done TV, but I wouldn't call them well known or famous, and that was pack and doing well from what I could judge.

I would think that this situation mainly applies to panto, nearly all pantos have A famous name in it.

Panto is definitely one of the biggest areas of theatre to have well-known names performing in roles varying from cameos to leads but it is true across much of theatre today.

It's definitely not "fair" from a talent point of view that this scenario abounds, but from an audience and box-office point of view it's "fair enough".

Some theatre and panto stars are under the illusion that they're there for talent reasons, whereas in reality (hahahaha, pardon the pun) they mostly secure roles as seat-fillers. Undoubtedly there are exceptions.

I am lucky in having taken part in "Blude Red" the musical which is still planning to tour the States, as well as panto. Both are great experiences albeit in different ways. I'm also "involved" in another new musical which is due to be out next year.

I'm really thrilled to be part of this kind of stuff, having been involved with music from a young age, and having enjoyed it enormously as an audience member.

Being realistic about it, there's no way I would have had the chance to do things on such a big scale without having been in Big Brother and I'm often thankful for the opportunities that have been presented.

I completely understand why it hacks some people off. Therefore, is it hypocritical of me to take a part in panto or a musical? Is it ok if I realise it's a "bums-on-seats" role - or is that equally arrogant? What if I do it for the fun (because it IS enormous fun)? It's a quandry I must admit.

Can't understand why it would hack people off, i think it would be quite good fun to be watching the stars being in theatre. Anthony will be soon getting offers to star in the theatre's, well, when Christmas comes anyway. He might be good in the theatre actually, he seems to be a people person.

I think alot of people who moans complains and runs down the fact that when people go onto a TV show so famous as BB they arent just gonna stop after the show is finished, were gonna see em everywhere for a while. And so what!! I totally dont blame them for taking advantage of the opputunities, i mean cmon

I think that when people have a dream of pursuing a career in the media, or on stage, or whatever, that it's ok to get a gig whatever way they can.

It helps if they have some talent, though!!

Anyway - putting yourself in the goldfish bowl that is BB is probs a hard enough route to living out your dream.

Completely agree. I think the ones with talent tend to have a little more longevity (and Kate Lawlor for some reason). If I'd been in the house I'd be grabbing every chance that came my way and why not? I honestly can't see any of this year's bunch going the distance though.

Jade Goodys longevity down to "Talent" then

In fact struggling to think of any BB contestant with "talent", except Brian who is very funny

Kate Lawlers a good-looking girl with a nice personality, enough to keep anyone famous in this horrific sleb world full of Titmus', Loos, Jodie and Jordan

I think Brian's great. I heard he was a bit snobby with a mate of my mothers in Blackpool when asked for an autograph. Don't know how far this is true though.