Big Brother fans brand show set shake-up ‘end of an era’ as iconic part of house ‘disappears’
BIG Brother fans are mourning the ‘end of an era’ as the ITV reboot has ‘scrapped’ an iconic feature of the show.
In years gone by, some of the show’s juiciest moments were played out on camera in the smoking area.
And there was even a time when contestants smoked freely inside the house itself which, at times, created its own kind of tension.
But as attitudes towards smoking continue to shift and it becomes less and less socially acceptable, bosses have taken the move to bring the programme in line with other reality shows like Love Island.
They are still catering for smokers, but there won’t be a camera in the designated area, which itself is a tiny, hidden outdoor space at the very edge of the garden.
Viewers think the change could lead to a less entertaining series as catty comments could be missed.
One wrote on X: “The smoking area on Big Brother is going to be a little room with no camera? It’s the end of an era.”
Another said: “Strange. I thought it was supposed to be ‘reality’ TV? You know, showing the things ppl actually say and do? Wonder what else ITV will water out? It’s going to be a scripted snoozefest.”
A third said: “It’s so silly. It’s shown after the watershed, so even if they want to pearl-clutch about cigarettes being shown, who cares after 9pm!?”
However, the needn’t worry as there are still microphones in the small space ready to pick up all the gossip.
Today, Good Morning Britain‘s Richard Arnold, 53, gave fans the first look at the new Garden Studios complex in North London.
Although he only gave viewers access to the garden, he got a sneak peek of the interior.
Richard confirmed there are two huge sofas in the living area as he described it as, “the biggest communal area” he’s seen in any house.
Moving into the bedroom, although he didn’t confirm how many beds there were, he did say there were “several doubles,” as housemates who will be meeting for the first time will be forced to share a bed.
Richard also explained that sustainability has been a big theme for producers this year, who have been mindful about their carbon footprint in constructing the house.
Speaking about the new communal bathroom, the presenter explained: “There’s a bath on a plinth.
“Initially they were going to have a clear bath but it would have to come from China and the key message here in the house this year is sustainability.”