Donna Preston, one of the housemates in the 2025 edition of Celebrity Big Brother, has carved out a diverse acting career that extends far beyond her comedic roots. Known for her appearances on British television and film, Preston has dabbled in everything from fantasy epics to action thrillers. Her journey includes minor but notable roles in major productions such as "Grimsby," "The Hitman’s Bodyguard," and "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald." Additionally, she has contributed to critically acclaimed series like "Inside No. 9" and "Hard Cell." With her recent participation in projects like Netflix's "The Sandman" and Prime Video's "Good Omens," Preston continues to expand her repertoire across various genres.
A Journey Through Donna Preston's Diverse Acting Career
In the bustling world of entertainment, Yorkshire-born comedian Donna Preston has quietly amassed an impressive array of credits. At just 38 years old, she finds herself sharing screen time with luminaries such as Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK champion Danny Beard in this year’s iteration of Celebrity Big Brother. Yet, her path to fame began long before entering the Big Brother house. Hailing from comedy shows like Famalam, Hey Tracey!, and The Mash Report, Preston ventured into dramatic performances early in her career. In 2016, she made a fleeting yet memorable appearance in Sacha Baron Cohen's spy spoof Grimsby, where she played an uncredited role described as the “Fat Grimsby Lass.” Following this, Preston secured another small part alongside Hollywood heavyweights Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds in the 2017 action-comedy The Hitman’s Bodyguard.
Her versatility was further showcased when she joined the cast of Coronation Street, portraying a one-episode character named Den in 2018. That same year, she appeared as an uncredited circus compère in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, rubbing shoulders with stars like Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law. By 2021, Preston had earned recognition for her work in Inside No. 9, playing Bev in an episode titled “Hurry Up and Wait.” Subsequently, she starred as Fat Pat in all six episodes of Netflix’s mockumentary sitcom Hard Cell, created by Catherine Tate.
Preston’s association with streaming giants continued through her portrayal of Despair in Netflix’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman. She reprised this role briefly in Dead Boy Detectives. Meanwhile, her stint as Mrs. Sandwich in Prime Video’s Good Omens solidified her reputation as a dependable supporting actress. Most recently, Preston featured in the Sky One comedy-drama Brassic and the Christmas TV movie Bad Tidings, proving her adaptability across different formats and mediums.
As we reflect on Donna Preston’s eclectic career, it becomes evident that her talent transcends traditional boundaries. From high-profile blockbusters to intimate anthology series, she consistently delivers nuanced performances that enrich each project. For aspiring actors, Preston serves as an inspiring example of how persistence and versatility can lead to meaningful opportunities in the competitive entertainment industry. Her journey reminds us that even minor roles can leave lasting impressions if approached with dedication and passion. As viewers tune in to see what unfolds during her stay in the Big Brother house, they may discover new layers to this multifaceted performer who thrives both inside and outside the spotlight.