ITV's Big Brother has been hit with over 1,600 Ofcom complaints in just one week as the house continues to be plunged into chaos. The reality show returned to screens a little over three weeks ago and has not failed to deliver plenty of drama as personalities continue to clash. Bosses have been forced to step in multiple times, as well as fellow housemates intervening in explosive rows that happen almost daily.
Complaints spike after heated episodes
Last week, viewers witnessed yet more heated exchanges, with Johanne being the third housemate to be evicted on Friday (October 2). However, the chaos has yet to subside, with more housemates butting heads. Ofcom has confirmed that a total of 1,654 complaints were made in a matter of days between Tuesday, September 29 and Monday, October 5.
The highest number of complaints came relating to the episode on September 30, when a staggering 1,191 complaints were made related to the handling of incidents involving Johanne and Rochelle. In the episode, Johanne was issued a formal warning from Big Brother after a heated exchange with Rochelle during a nominations task as bosses deemed her "tone and body language as unacceptable", however, viewers expressed frustrations when Rochelle did not receive a formal warning for her behaviour.
Other episodes also draw complaints
It's not the first time the pair have gone head-to-head, with fellow housemates forced to intervene, but this particular row came during a task in which the group was asked to choose who should miss out on nominating that week, with Johanne showing support for Pauline. Fans will remember she ultimately called Rochelle the most "evil" person in the house, adding she was "the worst", as Rochelle fumed: "Do not talk s***."
The episode on October 4 received the second-highest number of complaints, with a total of 191, which viewers will remember was the installment where Big Brother rolled back the tapes for the House of Revelations. These complaints related to alleged "bullying" behaviour towards Twinks.
Further complaints and upcoming broadcast
Ofcom also confirmed a total of 122 complaints were made following the episode on September 27, making a cumulative total of 634. A majority of these raised concerns about the alleged racism and bullying claims towards Rochelle by other housemates, including remarks by Johanne. From Johanne's live eviction, a total of 97 complaints were made relating to the treatment of both her and Rochelle around the eviction, including the "alleged racism and bullying behaviour".
October 5 also saw 53 complaints made to the broadcasting regulator with many fans slamming the behaviour towards newcomer Twinks. Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
