Coronation Street legend Amanda Barrie reveals upsetting reason she's on Celebrity Big Brother
She is 82-years-old
Amanda Barrie
Author: Emma DoddsPublished 3rd Jan 2018 Last updated 4th Jan 2018
Former Coronation Street actress Amanda Barrie entered the Celebrity Big Brother house last night (2nd January), but there is an upsetting reason behind her appearing in the new series.
Amanda, who is 82-years-old, played Alma Baldwin on the ITV soap for 20 years and is one of the most memorable and well-loved characters in the history of the soap.
And while it was all smiles for the Carry On actress as she arrived at the Celebrity Big Brother house, Amanda had previously done an interview with The Mirror in which she revealed the heartbreaking reason behind her appearance in this series.
When asked how she keeps working at the age of 82, Amanda told the publication, "What keeps me working? I think it’s occupational therapy to stop me thinking about death, really."
The actress then added that her fee for appearing on the show could pay for her "care home bills" when the time came.
She added, "I had no intention of doing it, but then I thought it could pay for my care home. It would be nice to have that independence."
Watch Amanda Barrie speaking to Emma Willis before entering the Celebrity Big Brother House:
However, appearing on the show last night, Amanda seemed to be in high spirits - even joking with presenter Emma Willis in her pre-house interview that the CBB house will be good practice for going into a care home.
She said, "I'm really delighted that I am here, because when Hilary (her wife) put me in the car yesterday and bunged in two huge suitcases and sent me off, I thought, 'I'm going into Celebrity Big Brother... OR has she sent me off to a home?!'"
The audience erupted into laughter as Emma joked that the CBB house is "kind of a home", as Amanda said, "Well it is, this is a good practice!"
Amanda won eviction immunity with Ex On The Beach star Jess Impiazzi last night after they were able to fix a circuit board quickest, meaning the public will be unable to vote for them.
Here are ALL the female celebrities currently in the CBB house:
Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie is an English actress who is best known for playing the role of Alma Sedgewick in Coronation Street. She has played a number of iconic female characters throughout her career, making her a national treasure.
Coronation Street legend Amanda Barrie reveals upsetting reason she's on Celebrity Big Brother
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Andrew Brady
Andrew Brady appeared on the 13th series of The Apprentice and describes himself as "flirty, funny and sometimes offensive".
Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie is an English actress who is best known for playing the role of Alma Sedgewick in Coronation Street. She has played a number of iconic female characters throughout her career, making her a national treasure.
Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe is a former Conservative Party politician, author and owner of many controversial opinions and beliefs. In 2010 Ann retired from politics and set her sights on stardom, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and most recently, starring in pantomime.
Ashley James
Ashley James rose to fame after appearing on Made In Chelsea, she is now a social influencer, DJ and TV presenter.
India Willoughby
India Willoughby is Britain's first transgender television newsreader and the first trans panellist on Loose Women. Born as Jonathan Willoughby, she began her career on ITV in 2000.
Jess Impiazzi
Glamour model Jess Impiazzi has appeared in The Only Way is Essex and Ex on the Beach. She has also worked as an actress appearing in the film Dangerous Game.
Maggie Oliver
Maggie Oliver is a former Detective Constable with the Greater Manchester Police. Since leaving the force she has appeared on Loose Women and Lorraine.
Malika Haqq
Best friend of Khloe Kardashian, Malika Haqq is a reality TV star in her own right. As well as appearing in Keeping Up With The Kardashians she has appeared in the series' spin-off Dash Dolls.
Rachel Johnson
Journalist and author Rachel Johnson is the sister of Boris Johnson. She has written multiple novels and is a regular guest on a number of TV programmes.
Wayne Sleep OBE
Wayne Sleep OBE is a British dancer and famous for being the shortest male dancer to be admitted to the Royal Ballet School. As well as dancing he has appeared in I'm A Celebrity Get me Out of Here, Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Come Dine With Me.
Shane Lynch
Shane Lynch is known for being a member of Boyzone, however he has also appeared in The Games, Celebrity Masterchef and the celebrity version of Love Island.
Jonny Mitchell
Former Love Island star Jonny Mitchell appeared in the third series of the TV show. He has recently launched his own Foreign Exchange Company.
Ginuwine
American singer and songwriter Ginuwine is best known for his multi-platinum single 'Pony' released in 1996.
Daniel O'Reilly
Known as the controversial comedian Dapper Laughs, Daniel decided last year he would start working a fresh under this own name.
John Barnes
Former England footballer John Barnes was the first male housemate to be confirmed. As well as being a footballer he is also known for his rap on New Order's song 'World In Motion.
Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act
Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act is best known for appearing on Australia Idol and RuPaul's Drag Race. He also appeared in Little Mix's 'Power' music video.
Andrew Brady
Andrew Brady appeared on the 13th series of The Apprentice and describes himself as "flirty, funny and sometimes offensive".
Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie is an English actress who is best known for playing the role of Alma Sedgewick in Coronation Street. She has played a number of iconic female characters throughout her career, making her a national treasure.
Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe is a former Conservative Party politician, author and owner of many controversial opinions and beliefs. In 2010 Ann retired from politics and set her sights on stardom, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and most recently, starring in pantomime.
Ashley James
Ashley James rose to fame after appearing on Made In Chelsea, she is now a social influencer, DJ and TV presenter.
India Willoughby
India Willoughby is Britain's first transgender television newsreader and the first trans panellist on Loose Women. Born as Jonathan Willoughby, she began her career on ITV in 2000.
Jess Impiazzi
Glamour model Jess Impiazzi has appeared in The Only Way is Essex and Ex on the Beach. She has also worked as an actress appearing in the film Dangerous Game.
Maggie Oliver
Maggie Oliver is a former Detective Constable with the Greater Manchester Police. Since leaving the force she has appeared on Loose Women and Lorraine.
Malika Haqq
Best friend of Khloe Kardashian, Malika Haqq is a reality TV star in her own right. As well as appearing in Keeping Up With The Kardashians she has appeared in the series' spin-off Dash Dolls.
Rachel Johnson
Journalist and author Rachel Johnson is the sister of Boris Johnson. She has written multiple novels and is a regular guest on a number of TV programmes.
Wayne Sleep OBE
Wayne Sleep OBE is a British dancer and famous for being the shortest male dancer to be admitted to the Royal Ballet School. As well as dancing he has appeared in I'm A Celebrity Get me Out of Here, Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Come Dine With Me.
Shane Lynch
Shane Lynch is known for being a member of Boyzone, however he has also appeared in The Games, Celebrity Masterchef and the celebrity version of Love Island.
Jonny Mitchell
Former Love Island star Jonny Mitchell appeared in the third series of the TV show. He has recently launched his own Foreign Exchange Company.
Ginuwine
American singer and songwriter Ginuwine is best known for his multi-platinum single 'Pony' released in 1996.
Daniel O'Reilly
Known as the controversial comedian Dapper Laughs, Daniel decided last year he would start working a fresh under this own name.
John Barnes
Former England footballer John Barnes was the first male housemate to be confirmed. As well as being a footballer he is also known for his rap on New Order's song 'World In Motion.
Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act
Shane Jenek AKA Courtney Act is best known for appearing on Australia Idol and RuPaul's Drag Race. He also appeared in Little Mix's 'Power' music video.
Andrew Brady
Andrew Brady appeared on the 13th series of The Apprentice and describes himself as "flirty, funny and sometimes offensive".
Celebrity Big Brother continues every night on Channel 5.
