Weho Resident is a 'Big Brother' Contestant

The CBS competition series "Big Brother" begins its 14th season Thursday at 9 p.m. with West Hollywood resident Ashley Iocco and Kara Monaco, a model who lives in Los Angeles, among the 12 new houseguests.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Iocco, 26, is the owner of a mobile spray tanning company who describes herself as vivacious, loving, charismatic and enthusiastic. Her favorite activities are hiking, yoga, painting, meditation, sunbathing, swimming, snowboarding and boating.

She called the most difficult part of living inside the 'Big Brother" house "not being able to have your own space and alone time."

"I love being around people, but I'm definitely one to have my special me time," Iocco said.

Iocco said she will "come off as the dumb ditzy blonde," but is confident about her chances of winning the $500,000 grand prize because "I'm actually really smart and good at reading through people's lies."

Iocco said she asked producers if she could bring her spray tan machine into the "Big Brother" house, a request that was rejected.

Monaco, 29, described herself as smart, funny and loyal and said she doesn't know "if you can really have a strategy when it comes to 'Big Brother."'

Monaco said she "was open to meeting a new boyfriend" on the show.

"That would be great," Monaco said.

The cast has "great personalities" and "types that we've never seen before," according to executive producer Allison Grodner.

What Grodner described as "four of the most epic players" from past "Big Brother" seasons will return to the "Big Brother" house and "play the game like never before."

"It's not what you think," Grodner said. "It's something completely different."

Their identities will be revealed during the season premiere. They will compete for a separate prize.

"Big Brother," will air three nights weekly -- Sundays and Wednesdays, both from 8-9 p.m., and Thursdays from 9-10 p.m. A houseguest will be voted out during each Thursday show, beginning July 19.