Sun, Swimwear, and Scrutiny: Big Brother Housemates Take a Breather
Amidst the escalating drama inside the Big Brother Australia house, housemates Holly Young and Coco Beeby seized an opportunity for some classic Gold Coast relaxation this Friday. The pair were spotted poolside, taking a deliberate break from the reality show's tensions to work on their tans and enjoy the sunshine.
Holly, 31, presented a striking figure reclining on a large folding beach chair. She showcased her bronzed physique in a white two-piece bikini that highlighted her trim torso. The skimpy, side-tied bikini bottoms contributed to a notably leggy display. Ensuring she stayed sun-smart, Holly protected herself with a wide-brimmed blue visor cap that nearly obscured her face, all while resting on a blue and white striped towel.
A Poolside Gathering and Growing Controversy
Meanwhile, Coco, 30, offered a similarly summery vision. She wore a lemon-coloured bikini top paired with patterned bottoms that stood out vividly against her tanned skin. Positioned on a red and white striped towel, she also opted for protection with a camouflage-patterned cap. Their peaceful session was later joined by fellow housemate Allana Jackson, 45, who approached the pair wrapped in a blue and white towel. The arrival of a third party did little to disturb the duo's dedicated relaxation, as they continued their tanning efforts while engaging in conversation.
However, this idyllic scene stands in stark contrast to the controversy brewing back inside the house. Holly and Coco have faced significant criticism from viewers recently. The backlash erupted after offensive comments were broadcast on the show's livestream.
One particularly distressing incident involved Conor Maysey, a 31-year-old housemate with Tourette syndrome. He was seen confiding in Colin Ridley, 21, about his girlfriend Holly. Conor revealed that Holly had allegedly told him she understood his condition because she "knows people who have Down syndrome," a comment that left him feeling 'horrific'.
Viewer Fury and Production Dilemmas
The troubles did not end there. Another incident saw Conor himself allegedly make an ableist joke, though producers were said to have cut the livestream short in an attempt to avoid scrutiny. Despite this, the moment found its way onto Reddit, fuelling further viewer anger. This included a remark by Coco, who is reported to have used the offensive term 'spaz' while in the house.
Disappointed fans quickly took to social media platforms like TikTok to voice their displeasure. "The producers of this show fell short on who they chose as housemates," one person complained. Another added, "Friendly reminder Holly also called people 'downies'." A third viewer commented, "It’s called empathy, something Holly doesn’t have."
This situation highlights the challenges of 24/7 reality TV production. An insider told Pedestrian.tv that this is precisely why live-streaming had disappeared from the show for years, stating, "You cannot control 'casual racism' on a reality show," and noting that an editing delay often fails to protect those involved.
Beyond the disability comments, Holly has also drawn ire from other housemates. Her clash with Abiola Oreyemi on the topic of 'pretty privilege' reduced Abiola to tears. Furthermore, evicted housemate Michael Downes did not hold back during an appearance on Star 104.5 FM's Gina and Matty show, claiming that Holly's on-camera romance with Colin Ridley was 100% fake.
