Rochelle Rackham was crowned the winner of Big Brother last night, but her victory was met with boos from the studio audience and her fellow housemates. The most nominated contestant in 13 years, Rackham reportedly upset various minority groups during her time in the house, yet she secured the majority of the estimated 4.9 million votes.
Runner-up Twinks receives overwhelming support
Rackham's only competition in the final was stylist Lucy 'Twinks' Burnett, a champion of trans rights and a self-described 'witch'. Burnett, who finished as runner-up, received a markedly different reception, with cheers and chants of 'you should have won' from the crowd. The winner, meanwhile, remained inside the house after securing the £100,000 prize.
During her exit interview, hosts Will Best and AJ Odudu had to ask the audience to stop booing because it was drowning them out. Burnett had faced a difficult time in the house, largely due to Rackham and her allies Philip Reagan and Rhianna Collins, who allegedly made her feel unwelcome from the start.
Controversial comments and incidents
Several incidents during the series sparked calls for Rackham's removal. In the first week, she told Charlotte Nott, who lost parts of her limbs to bacterial meningitis, that she felt 'scared' when she first saw her. She was also told off by Big Brother for making offensive jokes about Yasmin's weight. Additionally, Rackham made comments about transgender people, saying she 'wouldn't be happy with a transgender in the toilet with me'.
Outside the house, historic Facebook posts surfaced, including a racist comment targeting Muslims. A family source said she 'regretted' sharing it and would 'never want to cause anyone hurt or upset'.
Questions over ITV's handling
Some housemates alluded to an offensive comment that was a turning point for them, but ITV did not air it. The show, which has historically championed the LGBTQ+ community, did not appear to punish Rackham for her transphobic remarks. During her interview, Rackham promised to 'be more tolerant', but critics argue she was given many chances during the eight-week series.
The outcome has led to disappointment, with many feeling that the win rewards cruelty over kindness. The series, which was praised for its quality, has been tarnished by the conclusion, and many believe Twinks deserved better.
