National Trust opens TV's Big Brother house to the public as a 'British cultural icon' Launch party sees former stars of the reality TV show return to the set Visitors will be able look around the famous house for two days Trust said it will allow people the chance to experience the iconic TV location Reality TV stars attended a party at the Big Brother house to celebrate The National Trust's controversial move to open the iconic building to the public. Model Sophie Anderton and cage fighter Alex Reid were among the many former housemates to take a trip down memory lane. Reid, 38, the ex-husband of media personality Katie Price, said he was thrilled to return to the site of his win in 2010. Sophie Anderton flashes her peach-coloured knickers at the National Trust gala opening of the Big Brother House in Elstree Studios Past CBB winner Alex Reid attended an event to celebrate the opening of the Big Brother house to the public as a National Trust property He said: 'The night before coming in I had second thoughts but I knew I had to do it. I wanted to be known as an actor and an athlete but I was known for my sex life. 'When I came in I treated it like a fight and turned boos into cheers,' he told the Daily Star. 2007 winner Brian Belo also attended, comparing the site to an exclusive private school. He said: 'It's surreal really. I feel like I'm an old Etonian visiting the school again.' Visitors will be able to have a look around the house at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, for just two days. The 500 tickets sold out within 12 minutes. Big effort: Big Brother 7 housemate Nikki Grahame attended with a damaged foot Check it out: Visitors were able to see the inside the most famous house under surveillance on Thursday night Quite the party: Housemates and members of the public conversed in the main living room of the Big Brother house However, the plan to open up the Big Brother house was criticised by former MP Ann Widdecombe who said she was 'saddened' by the move. The property with its ever-changing decor has been home to figures such as Vinnie Jones, Ivana Trump and Vanessa Feltz who have taken part in Celebrity Big Brother over the years. Even Prime Ministers have discovered in their time that trying to make things look more trendy can upset people who are pretty loyal.