In a thrilling revival of the iconic reality show, Big Brother UK 2023 returned to our screens last night, captivating audiences across ITV1, ITV2, and ITVX with its 20th series. The show’s long-awaited comeback unfolded on October 8, 2023, and it did not disappoint.
Hosted by the dynamic duo of AJ Odudu and Will Best, Big Brother UK 2023 saw the arrival of 16 fresh housemates who embarked on a journey filled with suspense, camaraderie, and the promise of a £100,000 prize. The inaugural episode of Big Brother UK 2023 was followed by the equally engaging spin-off show, “Big Brother: Late & Live“, which also featured AJ Odudu and Will Best as hosts, along with special guests Kimberly Wyatt, Jordan Stephens, and The Vivienne.
The heart of the action remains at the iconic Big Brother house, where contestants will engage in clever tasks, nerve-wracking nominations, and gripping live evictions. Just as before, the public will hold the power, as viewers will cast their votes throughout the series, ultimately determining the winner of Big Brother UK 2023.
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The Launch Show Games of Big Brother UK 2023
The series kickstarted with some Big Brother UK 2023 party games, starting off with musical statues which Yinrun won gaining the prize of breakfast in bed and she got to choose who would make it for her – going on to choose Jenkin.
Next up was hide and seek with the housemates having to hide from the next arriving housemate who was Matty, the first person he found would be given a punishment; it didn’t take him long to find three housemates hiding behind the island in the kitchen, and he stated that he saw Jenkin first, this meant Jenkin wouldn’t receive hot water for the next 24 hours.
Passing the parcel was the final game, once all 16 housemates entered. Whoever the music stopped on had to peel back the wrapping paper and open the golden box inside, the lid of which contained a question that led to a housemate being chosen and a punishment dealt out.
DJ Dylan lost his bed for the night, Jenkin lost his suitcase – which consequently led to his suitcase being blown up, and then the music next stopped on Jenkin who peeled the wrapping paper, opened the box, to reveal a question asking him who he thought would be the worst to live with – he selected Olivia. It was then revealed that as a consequence, Olivia would be facing the first public vote on Friday.
In true Big Brother fashion, all hope wasn’t lost for Olivia, as after her upsetful first few moments – who wouldn’t be? – she went to the diary room and was told that she could win immunity from Friday’s eviction on the condition that when the housemates rank themselves from most to least entertaining, she needs to avoid being ranked last. In a final note to Olivia, in true Big Brother statements, Big Brother said: “Olivia, don’t be boring”. We’ll find out if Olivia escapes being voted the least entertaining in tomorrow’s episode.
Big Brother UK 2023 Housemates
The return of Big Brother UK has been met with avid anticipation, as fans eagerly awaited the reveal of the new housemates. These 16 individuals come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of personalities to the competition, setting the stage for an unforgettable series.
Jenkin
Age: 25
Job: Barman and cleaner
From: Bridgend
Quote: “I’m not the only gay in the village, I’m the best one,” Jenkin said during his VT. Asked as to why he joined Big Brother this year, he said, “I was bored and I thought I’d do something different, give it a whirl.”
Farida
Age: 50
Job: Make-up artist
From: Wolverhampton
Quote: “I’m very proud of who I am and I feel like Asian women and Asian culture is underrepresented on TV. A lot of people think that wearing a headscarf might stop you from having opportunities, whereas for me, it’s been completely the opposite. I embrace it with confidence and it’s actually given me lots of opportunities. I want to let people know that us Muslims, we really aren’t suppressed. I’m far from suppressed – I used to be a holiday rep!”
Tom
Age: 21
Job: Butcher
From: Livington, Somerset
Quote: “I’m funny, outgoing – that’s where the list ends,” Tom said during his VT. When asked why he joined the show, he said, “It’s just a bit of fun really, isn’t it? Something a bit different from day-to-day life.”
Hallie
Age: 18
Job: Youth worker
From: South London
Quote: “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.”
Trish
Age: 33
Job: full-time mum
From: Luton (originally from Kinshasa, the Congo)
Quote: “I always wanted to apply back in the day, my friends would always be like ‘I think you’d be good in there, you’re quite mouthy’! When I saw it was coming back I thought it was the universe telling me something so I just went for it. Also, because, I want to humanise refugees and immigrants [as I’m originally from the congo], especially in this political climate. I want people to see that behind the stats and figures, there are real humans. We are important simply because we exist, not only when we participate in capitalism. We matter because we are alive and breathing – no human is illegal!”
Yinrun
Age: 25
Job: Customer support agent
From: Harrogate (originally from Shanghai, China)
Quote: “I’m most excited about being surrounded by so many people from different walks of life. I don’t think I will ever live in a house again with so many different kinds of people. I’m from China and I think it will help me be more immersed in British culture.”
Jordan
Age: 25
Job: Lawyer
From: Scunthorpe
Quote: “Well, I love the show. I was quite disillusioned with life so I suppose boredom made me apply to some extent. I honestly applied on a whim. I’m interested in the social experiments side of Big Brother. I don’t really like the idea of living with people but I thought I might as well give it a try. And I wanted to challenge myself.”
Zak
Age: 28
Job: Model
From: Manchester (originally from Thailand)