Johnny Depp made a surprising admission in a newly resurfaced throwback clip that has left fans emotional — after revealing he was rooting for Jade Goody during her time on Big Brother.
The unexpected moment comes from a 2002 interview, rediscovered and shared over the weekend, in which the Hollywood actor confessed that he wanted Jade to win the third series of the pioneering reality show.
The clip was originally shown to Jade during her exit interview from the Big Brother house, hosted by Davina McCall.
At the time, then 29-year-old Johnny was being interviewed by Edith Bowman, who asked him about the cultural phenomenon that had gripped the UK.
Despite Jade’s much-discussed “ditzy” comments and headline-making antics during her time in the house, Johnny admitted he was firmly on her side.
![While the clip aired in the studio, Jade, who Edith said 'needed the [winner's] money', was seen screaming with delight and screeching: 'Oh my God!'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2026/02/24/12/106634653-15587305-image-a-9_1771935603468.jpg)
“You can’t avoid Big Brother… Jade,” he said.
“I want her to win… bless her heart, she should win. Jade should win. Good luck, Jade.”
A Moment That Left Jade Speechless
As the video played in the studio, Jade — whom Edith joked “needed the winner’s money” — reacted with pure disbelief, screaming with delight and exclaiming: “Oh my God!”
The moment captured Jade at her most unguarded, visibly shocked that an A-list Hollywood star even knew who she was, let alone supported her.
The unearthed clip was recently shared by nostalgic Instagram account Peak Britannia, which reflected on the era with the caption:
“2002 really felt like anything was possible… On Big Brother, ordinary people became famous overnight, watched by millions and even name-dropped by A-listers like Johnny Depp. It’s easy to forget just how huge it was. A true cultural moment. RIP Jade — gone but never forgotten.”
Remembering Jade Goody
Jade tragically died on Mother’s Day in March 2009, aged just 27, following a battle with cervical cancer. She was survived by her sons Bobby, now 22, and Freddy, 21, whom she shared with Jeff Brazier.
Her rise to fame was meteoric. Initially vilified by sections of the public after entering the Big Brother house, Jade ultimately won over viewers with her openness, vulnerability and refusal to hide her flaws.
After years as a tabloid favourite, selling intimate details of her life to newspapers and glossy magazines, Jade made the controversial decision to return to the Big Brother house in 2007 — a move that would ultimately overshadow her career.
During that series, Jade, alongside glamour model Danielle Lloyd and Jo O’Meara, was accused of making racist comments towards Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.
The scenes sparked more than 44,500 complaints to Ofcom — a record at the time — and caused widespread public outrage. Although Shilpa did not formally complain, the controversy was serious enough to prompt a police investigation into whether the behaviour constituted racial hatred.
A Tragic Final Chapter
In a bid to rebuild her public image, Jade later appeared on the Indian version of Big Brother. During her time on the show, she was told live on air that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
The illness later spread to her bowel, liver and groin. She returned to the UK to marry Jeff Brazier and focus on securing her sons’ futures before passing away in March 2009.
Today, the resurfacing of Johnny Depp’s long-forgotten words has struck a chord with fans — a reminder of a time when reality TV felt new, raw, and capable of turning ordinary lives into extraordinary stories.
