Big Brother’s ITV reboot has upset viewers by reintroducing a contentious shopping assignment.
Housemates will have the opportunity to be within touching distance of their loved ones this week in their penultimate shopping activity before the final week.
Even the most vicious, twisting programme would want to give its competitors something to grin about after nearly six weeks cut off from the outside world… However, not all viewers are on board.
During Late & Live, host Will Best said that housemates will take turns working stints as security guards, defending the home from ‘intruders’ tomorrow night.
The invaders in issue are friends and family members, and each pair of housemates must decide who will be permitted inside.
While the housemates take turns in the security booth, the rest of the housemates are trapped in a glass box and are not allowed to speak to their loved ones while they break in and communicate behind them.
Failure to keep silent will result in the shopping assignment failing.
While it is unclear how the chores will play out, Late & Live fans saw Jordan and Jenkin choose to turn away Noky’s sister and allow Chanelle’s father inside.
‘Hiya, babe…’ he was heard speaking to her, as the group gasped and Chanelle appeared to be on the point of tears.
Manny, Jordan’s real-life housemate and cousin, came in the studio as a guest for tonight’s Late & Live, and he exclusively revealed that, despite being Jordan’s chosen family member, he was not allowed access into the home, therefore he was turned away in the assignment.
Fans of Big Brother will have to wait and watch which housemates get to meet their families after such a long time apart, as well as whether they crumble under pressure.
This isn’t the first time Big Brother has brought in relatives and friends. In fact, it’s a famous section that has even appeared in the celebrity version – who can forget Casey Bachelor’s mother informing her that Lee Ryan had ‘mugged you off, darling?’
Despite being a regular challenge, it is not popular with spectators.
Reacting to the news that housemates could see their loved ones this week, one person tweeted: ‘Why come on the show if you can’t live without seeing family for a few weeks’.
‘No contact with the outside world’, one person added, reiterating one of the fundamental rules of Big Brother.
‘Not a fan of friends and family going in but at least they cant have a full on interaction’, another said.
‘What in the Love Island?’, one person asked, comparing BB to the ITV dating show and how parents are brought into meet the Islanders’ new partners.
Family and friends are on their way… 👀 #BBLL #BBUK pic.twitter.com/YjcgC1YBjU
— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) November 6, 2023
One participant posted, questioning the fairness of this year’s job, ‘how is it fair that some housemates can see their family and some can’t?’
Others called it’sick and twisted’ because roommates got to choose which relatives get to stay and which don’t.
Despite some fans being completely opposed to housemates having any contact with family – even with their backs turned and staying silent – others are excited about the assignment… and getting ready to weep.
Demanding support for Trish, one viewer wrote: ‘Im actually praying so hard that Trish gets her family or friend in she needs the support so bad i will riot if she doesnt’.
‘Interested in this friends & family task…Will I cry? almost definitely’, said another.
Big Brother continues tomorrow at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
