Samuel Preston makes no secret of it: fame was a bittersweet experience for him. "I hated fame, I hated it with all my heart," he says, recalling his early success with his band The Ordinary Boys and the sudden media explosion after appearing on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006.
Originally known in the British indie scene with a loyal following, Preston suddenly became a tabloid figure due to his relationship with Chantelle Houghton during the show.
This took his fame to extreme levels – but also into a difficult emotional state. “I was in a strange state,” he recalls, adding that he was under treatment with antidepressants at the time.
After years of living between the US and Britain, where he became a successful singer-songwriter for artists like Kylie Minogue, Cher and Olly Murs, Preston is now back with his band. But the road to getting here has been tumultuous.
He recalls that participating in Big Brother initially seemed like an artistic experiment, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. The media followed him non-stop, his privacy was violated, and his every move became the subject of public judgment. He even admits that his phone was tapped during that time.
His quick marriage to Houghton – just eight months after they met – was part of the same media whirlwind. They even sold wedding photos for a considerable sum, a decision he still defends today.
The band's musical career began to fade after its initial peak. In 2008, the band disbanded, while Preston moved to the US to try for a fresh start. After failing as a solo artist, he focused on writing songs for others – a role that brought him success, but not necessarily personal satisfaction.
One of the most dramatic moments of his life came in 2017, when he fell from a balcony and suffered serious injuries. Doctors told him he might never walk again, but he managed to recover after months in a wheelchair. However, during this period he became addicted to strong painkillers, a battle he describes as extremely difficult to overcome.
Today, Preston says he's reflected a lot on his life and career. He admits that he once sought validation through fame, but now he makes a clear distinction: "I like people to listen to my music, but being famous is a whole different thing."
The Ordinary Boys' comeback marks a new chapter. Their latest song is an attempt to return to their roots, while the new album is expected to address current topics such as inequality, technology, and today's global reality.
Although he remains uncertain about the public's reaction, Preston seems clearer than ever about the direction he wants to take: "I've had a weird career, but now I want to do something really good. I'm ready for that." /GazetaExpress/
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