Metro columnist Adam Miller has condemned Big Brother for platforming transphobia without punishment, following comments made by housemate Phillip Regan about pronouns and trans rights. Writing for Metro, Miller said he felt 'bitterly saddened' and 'angry' watching the conversation, which he described as transphobic.
Recalling Nadia Almada's historic win
Miller reflected on the 2004 win of Nadia Almada, a trans woman, which he called one of the most impactful nights he experienced as a gay teenager. He noted that Brian Dowling, the first openly gay contestant, had won three years earlier, and that Almada's triumph brought in a record-breaking number of votes.
He contrasted that era with the current series, saying Big Brother is 'shamelessly platforming transphobia without any punishment' and 'completely legitimising prejudice' despite the show's rule against offensive language.
Fridge comment and housemate reactions
The controversy began when Phillip Regan, a gay man, said: 'Me, growing up, my generation, it was him and her. Now everything's different. If you wanna be classed as a fridge, you're classed as a fridge.' Miller argued Regan should be better equipped with basic knowledge of gender, given his 50-plus years in the LGBTQ+ community.
The conversation continued with Omar, a jewellery salesman and musician, asking Twinks Burnett how she would handle a transgender woman in a female bathroom. Rochelle, who Miller noted had previously called a housemate overweight, told another she was scared of people without arms and legs, and threatened to punch a Black woman, said she 'wouldn't be happy with a transgender in the toilet'. Regan backed her up, saying 'I know what you mean.'
Calls for warnings and consequences
Miller said Phillip, Rochelle and Omar should all receive warnings for using offensive language, citing last year's formal warning given to Caroline Monk for misgendering housemate Zelah. He argued Big Brother is enabling bigoted comments by letting them slide.
He acknowledged the season had been hailed as the best since the show's ITV return in 2023, but said he may not enjoy it in the same way knowing what he now knows about the housemates. 'Aside from Twinks, they were all at the very least disappointing, and at worst bigots,' he wrote, warning that if the show abandons its principles, it may lose many viewers.
