Viewers of ITV2’s Big Brother expressed immediate outrage during Sunday evening’s series premiere when presenters revealed a contestant would be eliminated on the opening night.
The 2025 series launched with hosts announcing the unexpected format modification within minutes of going live, departing from the programme’s traditional approach of delaying eliminations until the second week.
Social media platforms witnessed an instant wave of criticism as audiences condemned the decision.
The reality programme, returning for its third series since moving to ITV, introduced the controversial element alongside mysterious eyeball props distributed to each arriving contestant.
ITV introduced the controversial element alongside mysterious eyeball props distributed to each arriving contestant
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ITV
The sudden announcement prompted widespread disapproval from longtime followers who questioned the broadcaster’s judgement in implementing such a dramatic change to the established format on launch night.
AJ Odudu and Will Best welcomed contestants to the house whilst distributing peculiar eyeball objects that descended through tubes as participants exited taxis and approached the stage.
The presenters encouraged audiences to download the programme’s application to participate in the voting process for the unprecedented opening-night elimination.
The hosts, who have presented the show since its ITV revival in 2023, delivered the shocking announcement to both studio audiences and viewers at home.
Big Brother returned on Sunday
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ITV
Each arriving contestant received the mysterious prop before entering the house, though the exact purpose of these items remained unclear during the broadcast.
The elimination twist represents a significant departure from the show’s established pattern, which typically allows contestants to settle before facing potential removal from the competition.
Fans took to X to voice their frustration, with one user writing: “I just switched into ITV2 and the first thing I hear is an eviction tonight…wtf x.”
Another viewer declared: “An eviction TONIGHT! ! ! Oh this is brutal #BBUK.”
Additional criticism emerged as one social media user stated: “An eviction on night 1 is just cruel #BBUK.”
Another agreed: “Eviction on night 1! What a terrible twist! ITV have lost the plot big time! #BBUK.”
Further complaints highlighted viewers’ preferences for traditional formatting, with one person posting: “The eye roll s***and an eviction on the first night… Can we just have a classy normal live launch ITV.”
Another simply described the twist as “brutal” whilst questioning why producers implement such changes when audiences clearly oppose them.
The programme’s 2025 edition extends to seven weeks, marking an additional week compared to previous series as part of the show’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
ITV Big Brother fans slammed the new format change
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ITV
The extended duration allows for more challenges, nominations and evictions throughout the competition period.
Accompanying the main broadcast, Big Brother: Late & Live continues to air nightly, featuring exclusive content, celebrity panel discussions and additional footage from the house.
The live stream option remains available for dedicated viewers seeking continuous coverage.
Will Best expressed enthusiasm about the anniversary milestone, stating: “Bring on the housemates, bring on seven weeks, and bring on a happy 25th anniversary to Big Brother!”
He added: “Last series could easily have gone on longer, so this will be a nice touch.”