Big Brother, the influential social experiment show that has been off the air for five years, is making a comeback on ITV with a new cast of housemates and hosts.
What is Big Brother?
Big Brother is a reality TV show that puts a group of strangers in a custom-built house for weeks without access to the outside world. The housemates have to compete in tasks, nominate each other for eviction, and face the public vote. The last person standing wins a cash prize.
The show started in 2000 on Channel 4 and moved to Channel 5 in 2011. It was axed in 2018 due to declining ratings and controversies involving some contestants.
Who are the new housemates?
ITV has not revealed the identities of the new housemates yet, but it has said that they are “carefully selected from all walks of life”. The broadcaster has also said that the housemates have received respect and inclusion training to set out the “expectation for appropriate behaviour and language” before entering the house.
The housemates have also undergone psychological and medical assessments, background checks, and a social media review as part of ITV’s duty of care protocols. They have also been asked to not post any content about the show on their individual social media accounts while they are in the house.
Who are the new hosts?
The new hosts of Big Brother are TV stars AJ Odudu and Will Best, who will follow in the footsteps of former presenters Davina McCall, Emma Willis, and Brian Dowling.
Odudu and Best will host Big Brother: Late & Live each night after the main show, which will feature the evictees’ first live interview, celebrity guest commentary, and weekly nomination results.
They will also host Big Brother: Live Stream, which will show footage from the house into the small hours every night on ITVX.
What is new about the house?
The new Big Brother house has a brand-new look, with a blue, orange, and yellow colour scheme, private seating areas, and a hot tub. The house entrance features a blue walkway that leads to a metallic silver tunnel in the shape of an eye.
The famous diary room chair, where housemates share their personal thoughts and deliver casting nominations to Big Brother, is also returning with a new multicoloured look.
How can viewers get involved?
Viewers will play a “crucial role” in the show, according to ITV. They will be able to vote for their favourite housemates, influence the outcome of tasks and evictions, and interact with the show on social media.
Viewers will also be able to watch exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage on the official Big Brother website and app.
When does Big Brother start?
Big Brother: The Launch will air on Sunday October 8 at 9pm on STV. The show will run for eight weeks until December 3.
Big Brother fans can expect drama, surprises, and twists as the new housemates try to survive and win over the public in the ultimate social experiment.
Will they make friends or enemies? Will they find love or betrayal? Will they rise to fame or fall from grace?
Only one thing is certain: Big Brother is watching.
