Big Brother fame to Darlington barber – Anthony Hutton’s story

Anthony Hutton, from County Durham, became a household name in 2005 when he won the sixth series of Big Brother.

He beat Eugene Sully in the final and won the programme’s £50,000 prize.

Consett-born Hutton was 23 when he won, becoming one of the series’ most recognisable housemates in a colourful cast packed with drama.

His win thrust him into celebrity life overnight.

Mr Hutton, now 43, was given a quarter of a million pounds worth of publicity almost immediately after leaving the house, highlighting the extraordinary level of attention surrounding the show at the time.

Like many reality television contestants, Hutton found that life after the programme was very different from life before it.

He regularly appeared on television and experienced the impact fame had on his mental health.

Anthony Hutton has regularly opened up on his mental health battle. (Image: ITV)

In an interview, Hutton said he had experienced suicidal feelings after the sudden change in his circumstances.

His story has since moved well beyond the Big Brother house.

Hutton later became involved in efforts to challenge the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and suicide.

Anthony later opened Mr Hutton’s Barbers and Bar in Darlington, combining a daytime barbershop with a cocktail bar in the evenings.

He said the barber’s chair became a place where customers naturally opened up about their lives and struggles, with conversations often revealing how many men were dealing with their mental health.

Hutton later launched the Throw In The Towel Project to challenge stigma around men’s mental health and suicide.

Through the project, he shares his experiences, runs free men’s mental-health retreats and encourages people to talk while walking, exercising or sitting in a barber’s chair.

The project’s official website describes its message as one of resilience, continuing to fight and “never giving up”

He has also made occasional television appearances, including a reflective interview about his journey on Steph’s Packed Lunch in 2022.

Today, Hutton encourages men to speak honestly about their wellbeing.

The Big Brother winner now uses his experience to help men speak openly, build support networks and feel less alone.