Big Brother is hit by 1,654 Ofcom complaints in a week over racism and bullying rows in the ITV house

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

ITV's Big Brother has been deluged with 1,654 Ofcom complaints in a single week after a string of explosive confrontations left viewers furious at producers' handling of housemate disputes. The worst episode, on September 30, drew 1,191 complaints alone over clashes between Johanne Cade and Rochelle Rackham during a nominations task. Johanne was given a formal warning for her 'tone and body language' — but Rochelle was not, sparking an angry viewer backlash.

Producers deemed Johanne's conduct unacceptable but viewers were furious Rochelle faced no sanction.

A second wave of 191 complaints hit after the October 4 'House of Revelations' episode over alleged bullying of newcomer Twinks Burnett.

Johanne was evicted following a head-to-head vote against Rochelle, but the complaints kept coming — 97 were filed over how the eviction itself was handled.