ITV's highly anticipated Big Brother revival has hit its first major controversy as broadcasting regulator Ofcom confirms being inundated with hundreds of formal complaints from furious viewers.
The backlash erupted during Monday night's episode when contestants Jordan Sangha and Henry Southan engaged in intimate behaviour beneath the bedcovers, leaving many viewers feeling uncomfortable and demanding action.
Viewer Outrage Reaches Boiling Point
Social media platforms exploded with criticism immediately after the scene aired, with many describing the content as "inappropriate" for the show's time slot and target audience. The moment proved particularly divisive among the show's loyal fanbase.
One frustrated viewer tweeted: "This is absolutely disgusting! How is this acceptable for television?" while another commented: "There are children watching this - completely inappropriate content for this time of night."
Ofcom Confirms Complaint Investigation
The broadcasting watchdog has officially acknowledged receiving "hundreds of complaints" about the controversial episode. An Ofcom spokesperson stated they're "assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules" to determine whether further investigation is warranted.
This isn't the first time the reality series has faced scrutiny since its return to television. Earlier episodes featuring food waste and intense arguments between housemates had already drawn criticism from viewers.
Divided Audience Reaction
While many viewers expressed outrage, the scene also found supporters who argued the show has always pushed boundaries. Some fans defended the moment as typical reality television behaviour, suggesting critics were overreacting.
This division highlights the ongoing debate about appropriate content boundaries in reality programming, particularly for shows airing during family viewing hours.
ITV has yet to issue an official statement regarding the complaints, but all eyes will be on Ofcom as they decide whether the controversial scene breached broadcasting standards.
