Calum Best is a British-American television personality, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate, widely recognized as the son of legendary Northern Irish footballer George Best and English model Angie Best. Born on February 6, 1981, in San Jose, California, Calum rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a high-profile model and a staple of the UK reality TV scene, winning the second series of Celebrity Love Island in 2006. In recent years, he has successfully reinvented himself as a wellness entrepreneur and a vocal patron of NACOA (National Association for Children of Alcoholics), drawing from his personal experiences with his father’s addiction to support others. Most recently, in early 2026, Calum has been in the public eye providing emotional updates on his mother Angie’s courageous battle with colon cancer, further solidifying his reputation as a grounded and family-oriented public figure.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Calum Milan Best was born into the heart of sports and fashion royalty. His father, George Best, is frequently cited as one of the greatest footballers of all time, while his mother, Angie Best, was a successful model and remains a renowned fitness expert.
Raised primarily in Los Angeles, California, Calum experienced a childhood that balanced sun-drenched privilege with the complexities of his father’s world-famous fame and burgeoning health struggles. This unique dual heritage—British grit and California cool—eventually became the hallmark of his public persona as he moved to London in his late teens to pursue his own path.
The Reality TV Phenomenon
Calum Best’s career is inextricably linked with the golden age of British reality television. His charm and “playboy” image made him a favorite for producers, leading to a prolific run of appearances that spanned two decades.
Celebrity Love Island (2005–2006): Calum participated in the first two series, famously winning the second installment in 2006 alongside Bianca Gascoigne.
Celebrity Big Brother: He entered the iconic house twice, in 2015 (finishing 3rd) and again in 2017, proving his enduring popularity with the voting public.
SAS: Who Dares Wins (2022): Showing a tougher side, Calum was a joint winner of the celebrity series, highlighting his physical and mental endurance.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
Moving away from the “party boy” label of his twenties, Calum has developed a diverse portfolio of businesses. He has focused on lifestyle brands that reflect his personal evolution toward health and wellness.
Fitness and Wellness
Influenced by his mother’s expertise, Calum founded BstLfe, a lifestyle brand that includes high-quality supplements and fitness apparel. He also opened BstLfe The Gym in Henley-on-Thames, designed as a “getaway” for those seeking fresh air and positivity.
Fashion and Partnerships
In 2021, Calum joined the luxury swimwear brand Thomas Royall as a partner and investor. He has also been involved in the “dark kitchen” industry, co-founding Poké the Bear, a sustainable Hawaiian food delivery concept that capitalizes on the growing demand for healthy, nutritious meal options in major UK cities.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Perhaps the most significant chapter of Calum’s life is his commitment to charitable work. He has used his platform to speak candidly about the trauma of growing up with an alcoholic parent, a journey he documented in his bestselling memoir, Second Best.
As a patron of NACOA, he provides a voice for the millions of children impacted by parental addiction. His work often involves visiting schools, speaking at conferences, and producing documentaries like Brought Up By Booze for the BBC, which aim to break the cycle of generational addiction and provide a roadmap for healing.
Personal Development and Self-Care
Calum’s transparency regarding his personal life extends to his physical health and self-image. He has been remarkably open about his journey with male pattern baldness, undergoing six hair transplants to restore his confidence.
His approach to “grooming without stigma” has inspired many men to seek help for hair loss. Furthermore, he emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health, frequently sharing insights on meditation, purpose-driven living, and the importance of family on his social media platforms, which boast hundreds of thousands of followers.
Practical Information and Interaction
How to Contact Calum Best
Bookings: Professional inquiries are typically handled through agencies like NMP Live for personal appearances and speaking engagements.
Social Media: He is highly active on Instagram (@mrcalumbest) and X (@calumbest), where he shares daily updates on his life and business.
Philanthropy: Information on his work with children of alcoholics can be found on the NACOA UK website.
What to Expect in 2026
Fans can expect Calum to continue his focus on family throughout 2026, particularly in supporting his mother. Professionally, he is slated to appear in several new TV projects and is expanding his fitness franchise to new locations across the UK.
FAQs
Who is Calum Best’s father?
Calum’s father was George Best, the legendary Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer.
What is Calum Best doing now in 2026?
In early 2026, Calum is focused on supporting his mother through cancer treatment while managing his BstLfe fitness brand and Thomas Royall swimwear.
Has Calum Best won any reality shows?
Yes, he won the second series of Celebrity Love Island in 2006 and was a joint winner of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2022.
Is Calum Best married?
As of early 2026, Calum Best is not married. He has been involved in several high-profile relationships but currently focuses on his personal development and family.
Where does Calum Best live?
He primarily resides in London, though he frequently travels to California and Oxfordshire for work and to visit his mother.
What is the name of Calum Best’s book?
His most famous memoir is titled Second Best: My Dad and Me, which details his relationship with his father and his own journey with addiction.
Which charity is Calum Best a patron of?
He is a dedicated patron of NACOA (National Association for Children of Alcoholics).
Did Calum Best have hair transplants?
Yes, Calum has been very open about having six hair transplants to combat male pattern baldness and promote mental health through self-confidence.
Who is Calum Best’s mother?
His mother is Angie Best, a former model and fitness expert who was George Best’s first wife.
Was Calum Best on Celebrity Big Brother?
Yes, he appeared in Series 15 (2015) and Series 19 (2017) of the UK show.
What is Poké the Bear?
It is a Hawaiian poké bowl delivery business co-founded by Calum Best that focuses on sustainable, healthy fast food.
Can I book Calum Best for a speaking event?
Yes, he is a frequent guest speaker on topics such as mental health, addiction recovery, and entrepreneurship.
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