Big Brother 2023, alternatively referred to as Big Brother 20, made its highly anticipated return as the twentieth series of the iconic reality show in the United Kingdom. Notably, this season marked a significant transition, as ITV secured the rights to broadcast the series in August 2022, marking the first time it aired on ITV2 following its previous run on Channel 5 almost four years ago.
Kicking off on October 8, 2023, the series commenced with a grand launch show simultaneously airing on both ITV (ITV1 and STV) and ITV2. Subsequent episodes primarily aired on ITV2, with co-presenters AJ Odudu and Will Best guiding viewers through the thrilling journey. The duo also helmed the companion show, Big Brother: Late & Live.
In a captivating finale on November 17, 2023, Jordan Sangha emerged as the victorious winner of the series, triumphing over Olivia Young, who secured the runner-up position. Notably, with a duration of 42 days, this season marked the shortest regular series of Big Brother in the UK, surpassing the previous record set by the seventeenth series, which spanned 50 days. ((Wikipedia)) ((IMDb))
Production:
In April 2022, multiple tabloid newspapers reported that ITV Studios were in discussions with production company Banijay, the rights holders of Big Brother, to revive the series in 2023, marking a comeback after a five-year hiatus.
During the final of the eighth series of Love Island on August 1, 2022, a 20-second teaser trailer aired on ITV2, signaling the imminent return of the show. ITV subsequently confirmed the revival, making it the third network to secure the rights to the series, following its cancellations on Channel 4 and Channel 5 in 2010 and 2018, respectively.
Paul Mortimer, the director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions, expressed excitement about the refreshed series, promising to retain the familiar format points that captivated audiences in the past. Meanwhile, Ian Katz, the chief content officer for Channel 4 during the original broadcast of Big Brother, shared mixed feelings about the revival, acknowledging the show’s impact while expressing reservations about its return.
Kevin Lygo, the Managing Director of Media and Entertainment at ITV, highlighted the success of Love Island as a key factor in the decision to recommission Big Brother. Despite recognizing the differences in audience demographics between the two shows, he emphasized the enduring appeal and influence of Big Brother in shaping television.
Former hosts Davina McCall and Emma Willis ruled out their return as presenters, expressing fondness for the show but opting to support the new hosts. Dermot O’Leary and Rylan Clark shared their perspectives on the series’ direction, advocating for a return to its roots as a social experiment.
Initially slated for a March 2023 launch following Love Island, the series was later rescheduled to autumn 2023 to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure a more prominent slot in the programming lineup. The application process for contestants received overwhelming response, with over 30,000 applicants vying for a spot in the house.
Following much speculation, AJ Odudu and Will Best were announced as the presenters in April 2023, with both expressing excitement and honor to host the iconic show.
In June 2023, controversy arose regarding the show’s theme song due to sexual harassment allegations against Paul Oakenfold, the original composer. Ultimately, a remixed version of the original theme tune was used for the series.
Additionally, rumors circulated about the return of former housemates to recapture the essence of the original series, although ITV later confirmed these reports as false. {Source: RadioTimes}
Format:
Following the commissioning of the show, ITV announced that the series would feature a new cast of carefully selected housemates, from all walks of life. The series runs for up to six weeks, with “cameras capturing [the housemates’] every move, and the nation following every twist and turn.” Shopping tasks, nominations, and live evictions will return, with the public once again voting throughout the series and ultimately determining the winner, who will walk away with a cash prize.
House:
The location for the series was not initially confirmed, but it was teased as “an iconic Big Brother house” which would be given “its own contemporary new look ready for this reimagining of the show.” A week after the announcement of the series returning, media outlets reported that the series is set to be filmed at ITV Studios Bovingdon after planning applications were submitted for three new studios, as well as a backlot for temporary studios with outdoor filming.
Eye logo
The 20-second teaser depicted numerous ITV2 logos forming into the shape of a Big Brother eye.
Housemates:
- Jordan Sangha (Scunthorpe): Winner of the show
- Olivia Young (Glasgow): Runner-up of the show
- Henry Southan (Toddington): 3rd Place
- Yinrun Huang (Harrogate (originally from Shanghai)): 4th Place
- Noky Simbani (Derby): 5th Place
- Matty Simpson (Ramsey, Isle of Man)
- Jenkin Edwards (Bridgend)
- Tom Bryant (Limington)
- Trish Balusa (Luton (originally from Kinshasa))
- Chanelle Bowen (Llanelli)
- Dylan Tennant (Coventry)
- Paul Blackburn (Liverpool)
- Kerry Riches (Great Dunmow)
- Hallie Clarke (Streatham)
- Zak Srakaew (Manchester (originally from Thailand))
- Farida Khalifa (Wolverhampton)
