More than 2.5 million viewers tuned in to watch 16 contestants enter the Big Brother house as the reality show returned to British television after a five-year hiatus. The series has moved to ITV, with new hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best, and the launch episode featured a 'housewarming party' with games that had unexpected consequences.
Jenkin, a 25-year-old from Bridgend, had his suitcase blown up and lost access to hot water for a day. He also inadvertently chose 23-year-old Olivia to face the first eviction on Friday, though she was later given a chance to save herself by avoiding being ranked the least entertaining housemate.
The launch received a mixed critical response. The Telegraph's James Hall called it 'fun' and awarded four stars, while the Times' Carol Midgley said it 'feels pretty vanilla' and 'like a Noughties fossil'. The Independent's Katie Rosseinsky noted that having a pre-recorded launch 'feels like a misfire', as the show has always thrived on live chaos.
Metro's Adam Miller also gave four stars, praising the cast as 'the most interesting Big Brother has seen in years, possibly ever', but found the pre-recorded episode 'strange'. Radio Times' Emma Bullimore commended the mix of personalities, including a bingo caller, a Miss Universe contestant, and an ecstatic dancer.
Some viewers compared the new hosts unfavourably to previous presenters Davina McCall and Emma Willis. Davina posted on X during the episode: 'How's it going? I've got horrific fomo.' The launch show was watched by 2 million on ITV1 and 527,000 on ITV2, which will be its primary home.
