Big Brother, now in its 23rd season on ITV2 and ITVX, maintains a strict list of peculiar items that are forbidden inside the famous house, according to a former contestant who has detailed what she had to leave behind.
Former Contestant Reveals Banned Items
Grace Adams-Short, who appeared in season 7 of the programme in 2006, spoke to OK! about the restrictions on what housemates could bring. She revealed that hairdryers were not allowed because the sound was too loud and producers worried they could be used for secret conversations.
She also explained that vacuum cleaners were banned for the same reason. "I begged the producers for one because the house was filthy. Aisleyne and Lea [Walker] both had their extensions falling out over the floor," she said.
Other Forbidden Items and Rules
Beyond these items, housemates face a rigorous set of regulations. Communication with the outside world is strictly prohibited, meaning mobile phones, newspapers, and any other means of contact are banned. Books, notepads, and writing materials are also not permitted.
Musical instruments are forbidden, and clothing must not feature clear branding, logos, slogans, or messages. Grace said producers "wanted people to feel tested" and that everything was "designed to make you feel on edge."
Reflections on the Show's Evolution
The former contestant also shared her view that the programme has lost its charm. "I think everyone has become too savvy about what they want to get out of a reality show. When I was on Big Brother, it did just feel like 15 minutes of fame before you returned to your normal life," she explained.
She added that current reality casts no longer feel like average people, which she finds boring to watch. "Now, people want to go on things like Love Island to get famous. It's too calculated," she said.
