Big Brother 2006 co-stars Imogen Thomas and Nikki Grahame catch-up over cocktails


They soared to fame back in 2006 on series seven of Big Brother, which has once again become a talking point thanks to the current reunion show airing re-runs of classic episodes.

And Imogen Thomas and Nikki Grahame proved they were still close all these years later as they reunited for a drink at Callooh Calley bar in London’s Chelsea on Thursday.

Both Imogen, 37, and Nikki, 38, made the most of the sizzling heatwave as they donned floaty dresses for their fun catch-up.

Reunion: Big Brother stars Imogen Thomas and Nikki Grahame proved they were still close as they reunited for a drink at Callooh Calley bar in London’s Chelsea on Thursday

The stars appeared in high spirits as they walked and chatted like old times, keeping hydrated with their refreshing beverages.

Imogen looked radiant in a white sun dress which featured lace detailing and a short hemline, allowing her to showcase her bronzed pins.

The mother-of-two paired her chic white number with matching flat white sandals, a red cross body bag and trendy brown sunglasses.

Keeping her raven hair off her face, the Welsh beauty swept her locks into a neat bun while she opted for minimum make-up for the outing.

Girls' time: Both Imogen, 37, and Nikki, 38, made the most of the sizzling heatwave as they donned floaty dresses for their fun catch-up

Girls’ time: Both Imogen, 37, and Nikki, 38, made the most of the sizzling heatwave as they donned floaty dresses for their fun catch-up

Meanwhile, Nikki, who is famed for her diary room meltdowns including the hilarious ‘who is she?’ moment, sported a long black maxi dress with a pretty floral pattern.

The TV personality paired her look with metallic slingback sandals, while like Imogen, shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of rounded shades.

Nikki wore her long blonde tresses loose for the catch-up, occasionally donning a floppy sun hat. 

Imogen and Nikki certainly appeared to be having a great time during their reunion, as they sipped their drinks while sitting outside the bar.

Way back when: Imogen and Nikki soared to fame back in 2006 on series seven of Big Brother, which has once again become a talking point thanks to the current reunion show airing re-runs of classic episodes

Way back when: Imogen and Nikki soared to fame back in 2006 on series seven of Big Brother, which has once again become a talking point thanks to the current reunion show airing re-runs of classic episodes

Just like old times: The stars appeared in high spirits as they walked and chatted like old times, keeping hydrated with their refreshing beverages

Just like old times: The stars appeared in high spirits as they walked and chatted like old times, keeping hydrated with their refreshing beverages

They then continued their drinks and chat as they gleefully made their way down the street.

There has been plenty of Big Brother nostalgia of late thanks to Big Brother: Best Shows Ever, which takes a look back at some classic episode amid the show’s 20th anniversary.

And Nikki recently claimed that Love Island stars will never be ‘household names’ like they were, while Imogen admitted that the show has made dating ‘harder’ as suitors don’t want to be in the public eye.

Talking to Cosmopolitan UK, Nikki said: ‘Big Brother used to be a social experiment; nobody had a clue what to expect when they left. I was certain I was going to fall in love in there and I might get pictured in Heat magazine falling out of a club.

Chit chat: The ladies didn't appear to have a care in the world as they chatted away while walking through London

Chit chat: The ladies didn’t appear to have a care in the world as they chatted away while walking through London

All white: Imogen looked radiant in a white sun dress which featured lace detailing and a short hemline, allowing her to showcase her bronzed pins

Keeping cool: The mother-of-two paired her chic white number with matching flat white sandals, a red cross body bag and trendy brown sunglasses

All white: Imogen looked radiant in a white sun dress which featured lace detailing and a short hemline, allowing her to showcase her bronzed pins

Looking good: Keeping her raven hair off her face, the Welsh beauty swept her locks into a neat bun while she opted for minimum make-up for the outing

Looking good: Keeping her raven hair off her face, the Welsh beauty swept her locks into a neat bun while she opted for minimum make-up for the outing

Fun times: The girls were in good spirits as they kept refreshed with cocktails during the scorching heatwave

Fun times: The girls were in good spirits as they kept refreshed with cocktails during the scorching heatwave

‘I had no idea I’d get an agent. It was a complete whirlwind. On my first photoshoot they gave me a pair of shoes and a dress to keep and I didn’t understand it, but it made me feel quite special.’

The star went on to discuss how Love Island stars now make ‘crazy money’ in seconds but they will never be ‘household names’.

She added: ‘Now they come out of Love Island and have agents and an Instagram following – we didn’t even have Facebook when we left!

‘Today’s [reality] stars make crazy money in seconds, but they’ll never be household names. You know what you’re getting yourself into when doing the show.’

Summer look: Meanwhile, Nikki, who is famed for her diary room meltdowns including the hilarious 'who is she?' moment, sported a long black maxi dress with a pretty floral pattern

Summer look: Meanwhile, Nikki, who is famed for her diary room meltdowns including the hilarious ‘who is she?’ moment, sported a long black maxi dress with a pretty floral pattern

Lovely: The TV personality paired her look with metallic slingback sandals, while like Imogen, shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of rounded shades

Lovely: The TV personality paired her look with metallic slingback sandals, while like Imogen, shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of rounded shades

Chic: Nikki wore her long blonde tresses loose for the catch-up, occasionally donning a floppy sun hat

Chill: Imogen and Nikki were on fine form during their outing

Chic: Nikki wore her long blonde tresses loose for the catch-up, occasionally donning a floppy sun hat

Heatwave: Imogen and Nikki certainly appeared to be having a great time during their reunion, as they sipped their drinks while sitting outside the bar

Heatwave: Imogen and Nikki certainly appeared to be having a great time during their reunion, as they sipped their drinks while sitting outside the bar

Infamous: Nikki became known for her hilarious diary room moments including THAT 'who is she?' rant (pictured in 2006)

Infamous: Nikki became known for her hilarious diary room moments including THAT ‘who is she?’ rant (pictured in 2006)

During her time in the Big Brother house, Nikki dated fellow contestant Pete Bennett who went on to win the 2006 series.

Discussing their high-profile and whirlwind romance, she continued: ‘I got to see a therapist for as long as I needed it, I spoke to one for about a year.

‘I went into a reality show as an experiment and as a huge fan of the show, and got enormous success. When Pete and I broke up it was really hard.’

She added: ‘There are good and bad bits, but the ups outweigh the downs. People come up to me all the time and are always really nice. I’ve got a flat, and I don’t have to do a 9-5 job.

Out and about: They then continued their drinks and chat as they gleefully made their way down the street

Out and about: They then continued their drinks and chat as they gleefully made their way down the street 

Gossip: The duo were deep in conversation during their reunion at the bar

What's this: The pair appeared to be transfixed by something on Imogen's phone

Gossip: The duo were deep in conversation during their reunion at the bar

‘But it’s refreshing to be somewhere you’re not recognised. My goal is to live in Australia and start again. I have no regrets; I’ve had the time of my life. Actually, I do have one: I would have won Big Brother.’

Meanwhile Imogen, who recently split from partner Adam Horsley, who she shares two children with – Ariana and Siera, spoke about how the show has affected her dating life with the magazine.

She said: ‘It’s still nice to be recognised, and you miss it when it stops. It makes it harder with relationships as a lot of guys don’t want the attention that comes with dating me.

Outing: Nikki and Imogen were sure to keep their distance as they caught up over drinks

Outing: Nikki and Imogen were sure to keep their distance as they caught up over drinks

Hot stuff: Imogen and Nikki certainly picked a great day to meet as temperatures soared to over 30 degrees

Take a seat: Imogen grabbed a stall as they made themselves comfortable outside the bar

Hot stuff: Imogen and Nikki certainly picked a great day to meet as temperatures soared to over 30 degrees

Good times: The ladies couldn't keep the smiles off their faces as they made their way down the street

Good times: The ladies couldn’t keep the smiles off their faces as they made their way down the street

‘But I have no regrets. I’m still really good friends with Nikki [Grahame] and we go on holiday together.’

Discussing how the show impacted her life, she added: ‘My life now is so different to the one I had growing up on a council estate. I’m really grateful for Big Brother.

‘Before the show I was living off loans and an overdraft. After it, I was modelling and earning up to £70,000 a shoot. I invested it all in property because I knew then that things don’t last forever.’ 

Friendship: Imogen and Nikki have remained close since meeting in the Big Brother house 14 years ago (pictured in 2006)

Friendship: Imogen and Nikki have remained close since meeting in the Big Brother house 14 years ago (pictured in 2006)

They go way back: The ladies became close in the Big Brother house and have been pals ever since (pictured in 2006)

They go way back: The ladies became close in the Big Brother house and have been pals ever since (pictured in 2006)