CBB viewers convinced Shaun Williamson is still ‘Barry from EastEnders’

Celebrity Big Brother fans shared their mock confusion over Shaun Williamson’s identity as he entered the house during the live launch show.

The actor played Barry Evans in EastEnders from 1994 until 2004 and, despite his 13-year absence from the BBC soap, Williamson was still referred to as “Barry from EastEnders” by those watching the Channel 5 reality programme.

Viewers took to Twitter to jokingly protest against his real name being used.

One fan wrote: “Erm #CBB What is this “Shaun” name badge all about?

“First name: BARRY. Surname: Fromeastenders.”

Another said: “Why do they keep calling Barry from Eastenders “Shaun”? Bit rude not knowing his name #cbb.”

“Why is Barry from Eastenders wearing a Shaun name tag?,” one viewer asked.

Many others who had tuned in to watch the reality show, hosted by Emma Willis, said that Williamson will always be Barry to them.

“Believe me Shaun Williamson, you’ll always be Barry from Eastenders,” one Celebrity Big Brother fan wrote.

“Legendary character from a soap that everyone loves to talk about #cbb.”

Another added: “Shaun? He’ll be forever Barry from Eastenders #CBBuk.”

Williamson, who was killed off in EastEnders when screen wife Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) pushed him off a cliff edge, was one of 15 new stars to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house as the 20th series kicked off.

His acting skills were immediately put to the test by the show’s producers as he was tasked with pretending to be nervous.

As part of the challenge he had to encourage TV psychic Derek Acorah to give him a hug, ask Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville to pour water on his head and name Gogglebox’s Sandi Bogle as his rock and keep her from attending a champagne reception in the garden.

Former Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding, Absolutely Fabulous actress Helen Lederer and ex-Apprentice contestant Karthik Nagesan are among the other housemates taking part in the series.

The housemates will compete for a £50,000 prize for the charity of their choice.

Celebrity Big Brother continues on Channel 5.