CARLISLE'S Thomas Atkinson has entered the Big Brother UK house as part of the latest series of the popular reality television show. 

Atkinson, from Belle Vue, will be one of 16 housemates who will feature in the new series of Big Brother UK which aired on Sunday, October 6 on ITV.

The amputee football star enters the Big Brother UK house after playing a key role in the England Amputee FA's fourth-placed finish at the European Amputee Football Federation Euro 2024 over the summer.

During his career, Atkinson, who was born without a left hand and had his left leg amputated at age two, also captained Portsmouth to victory over Everton in the final of the FA Disability Cup at St George's Park in June. 

Atkinson will now be looking to capture the nation's attention as part of the latest Big Brother UK line-up.

"I've got 26 appearances for England and it's one of my proudest things about life," Atkinson said in his first interview for the hit TV show. 

"When I was a little kid I was actually bit by a shark, but I'm a blatant liar as well because I actually didn't.

"I was just born without my left hand and my left foot which I think is really boring.

"I always say there is nothing I can't do, apart from shoelaces, shoelaces are the death of me.

"I hate the idea of somebody beating me."