Big Brother fans have been given their first look at the brand new house ahead of the reality show’s return on Sunday.
Good Morning Britain’s Richard Arnold took viewers on a tour of the garden surrounding the vast build, as a brand new batch of housemates prepare to move in this weekend.
Unlike previous years, this year’s house has put sustainability at the forefront, with an outdoor water tank collecting rainwater that will fill the jacuzzi.
It was also revealed that bosses planned to order a clear perspex bath from the house, but after learning it would have to be shipped over from China, they axed the plans.
While Richard admitted he wasn’t allowed to show viewers inside the house, he did hint that there were several double beds for steamy liaisons, a ‘vast’ living area, and a bath taking pride of place on a plinthe.
Coming soon! Big Brother fans have been given their first look at the brand new house ahead of the reality show’s return on Sunday
Inside: Good Morning Britain ‘s Richard Arnold took viewers on a tour of the garden, which included a nod to a Love Island staple with an outdoor fireplace
He also shared that the iconic Diary Room, the place where housemates can offload their struggles and woes to Big Brother, features the ‘biggest chair he’s ever seen.’
In previous years, the smoking area has been a fixture of house chat and gossip, but this year, it will be kept away from the cameras, with just a microphone to pick up on any dramatic discussions.
This year’s house also features a cheeky nod to its reality TV rival Love Island, with the inclusion of an outdoor fireplace.
It was also revealed that 30,000 people applied to take part in the show, though bosses are tight-lipped on exactly how many housemates will move in on launch night.
Earlier this week, Big Brother bosses also revealed their new duty of care protocols.
This year the Housemates must undergo a social media blackout, take part in ‘respect and inclusion training’ and will have access to one-on-one mental health support sessions before, during and after the show.
The respect and inclusion training will set out expectations around use of language and acceptable behaviour in the House while
Big Brother: The Launch will see a new cast of carefully selected housemates, from all walks of life, become the first people to take up residence in the brand-new Big Brother house as they arrive at the famous destination in front of a live studio audience.
Eco-friendly: Unlike previous years, this year’s house has put sustainability at the forefront, with an outdoor water tank collecting rainwater that will fill the jacuzzi
Who is moving in? While Richard admitted he wasn’t allowed to show viewers inside the house, he did hint that there were several double beds for steamy liaisons, a ‘vast’ living area
Before filming all Housemates have undergone psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, mental health professionals and information reports from each Housemate’s GP.
Housemates were also required to disclose in confidence any medical history or other information that would be relevant to their participation in Big Brother.
In addition their family and friends will be asked not to post any content on their individual social accounts for the duration of their time in the House in a social media blackout.
ITV also said that the Housemates have received information about the experience of taking part in Big Brother including the possible positive and negative implications.
The contestants also undergo a series of background checks including checks of their social media by an independent specialised service.
In terms of behaviour on the series, the show’s welfare team and other members of the editorial and production team received training in Mental Health First Aid and ‘respect and inclusion’.
ITV say the team have set out Big Brother’s expectation for appropriate behaviour and language.
Housemates are also provided with and talked through the Housemate rules which set out expectations and explain key aspects of life in the Big Brother House.
In addition, whilst in the House mental health professionals are available to Housemates for ongoing support throughout their time in the House.
The Big Brother welfare team also support friends and family with regular contact and updates.
After leaving the Big Brother House bespoke training on dealing with social media and press will be given.
A mandatory session with mental health professional immediately after a Housemate leaves the House will also be provided.
After, further support sessions will be provided specific to a Housemate’s individual needs and support will remain in place until the mental health professional(s) have agreed an end date for each individual Housemate.
Ongoing contact by the head of welfare for a period of 14 months after the series has ended, with additional help provided where needed will also be on offer.
The series will see AJ and Will present together.
Speaking about her new role, AJ said: ‘I’m so excited to finally be able to say that, yes: I’m hosting Big Brother! I couldn’t be happier.’
She added: ‘Following in the footsteps of some of my favourite broadcasting legends to front such an iconic show is an absolute honour – and to do it alongside my amazing friend Will is the icing on the cake.’
Return: Big Brother bosses have also revealed they’ve introduced stringent new duty of care protocols, stepping up mental health support since the last instalment back in 2018
Will explained: ‘I grew up with Big Brother so getting a chance to host it with my mate AJ is a dream come true. I can’t wait to tell some housemates not to swear.’
Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning for ITV2 and ITVX, said: ‘AJ and Will really are our perfect pairing as we prepare to reintroduce Big Brother to the next generation.
‘With a genuine chemistry, both of them will bring effortless wit, charm and heaps of character to their roles and we’re delighted to be working with them both again.’
This year’s contestants are yet to be announced – but the deadline for applications has now passed.
The legendary narrator of Big Brother Marcus Bentley has reportedly signed up for the job once again on the upcoming reboot of the show.
Gateshead-born voice-over artist Marcus, 55, became synonymous with the programme after it launched on Channel 4 in 2000 and he stayed with the reality series up until its last run on Channel 5 in 2018.
Big Brother: The Launch is on ITV1, STV, ITV2 and ITVX on Sunday 8th October from 9pm.
