Kirstie Alley joins Celebrity Big Brother: Everything you need to know about the scientologist and American sitcom star

Everything you need to know about the all-star American actress 
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Georgia Chambers17 August 2018

American actress Kirstie Alley, 67, was the first celebrity to enter the Big Brother house, where she was elected president alongside Ryan Thomas as her vice president during the live launch of the show.

Here's everything you need to know about the CBB contestant:

What is Kirstie Alley famous for?

Alley is most famous for her acting career, making her name in shows such as Star Trek and Cheers.

She first appeared in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan in 1982, where she played the Vulcan Starfleet officer Lieutenant Saavik.

Fans know her best for her role as Rebecca Howe in classic US sitcom Cheers, starring alongside Kelsey Grammer, Ted Danson and Danny DeVito.

She also featured opposite John Travolta in rom-com Look Who's Talking.

Is Kirstie a Scientologist?

Yes - and she's very vocal about it too.

She's one of Scientology's most famous faces and is often outspoken about it on Twitter.

Scientology is a set of beliefs though up by late sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard.

Scientologists believe that man is an immortal spiritual being and that remains of aliens from Xenu still exist within human souls today.

Ahead of entering the Big Brother house, Alley was accused of trying to recruit contestants.

Tony Ortega, editor of anti-Scientology blog The Underground Bunker, said: "I think it’s quite possible that she will get some instruction from David Miscavige about what he’d like to see her say or do on the show.

"And if she does try to recruit someone on the show, it will no doubt be a disaster – and perhaps a ratings coup."

When did she join Celebrity Big Brother?

Alley was the first contestant to enter the CBB house on Thursday 16th August.

She's the biggest name to sign up for the show and before going into the CBB house she promised viewers:"I will put on the best show you've seen in your life."

She also told host Emma Willis: "Unfortunately I'm really bad with names so I think I'm going to have to ask everyone to wear name tags all through the show."

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