I visited the Big Brother House and here’s what it’s really like

Big Brother is watching you… it’s a mantra that’s been around longer than even the show itself has been on screen, having taken its name from the dystopian George Orwell novel 1984.

And with the new series of the ITV show set to kick off on Sunday, its clear that bosses have taken inspiration from its historic themes, having given the house an eye-catching, and very colourful, makeover.

I was lucky enough to get a glimpse of the new house just days before a new crop of housemates move in, and as you enter, you’re greeted by two things: The smell of fresh paint, and a sea of eyeballs that have filled every nook and cranny.

Like the celebrity series earlier this year, this house feels more claustrophobic than the 2024 run, and once again it is a sea of bright lights and colour, leaving little room for housemates to escape and find time alone.

This series of Big Brother is set to be the longest since ITV revived the show in 2023, with housemates spending up to seven weeks locked away from the outside world.

Having spent several hours wandering around the house, many questions remain, with one being exactly how many housemates will be moving in on launch night.

In past series, 16 have walked through the famous doors, but varying numbers of chairs and beds have made me doubtful we’ll see this many greet hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best on Sunday.

When you walk in, it is hard to miss a sea of eyeballs that are dotted across every shelf and table, with even the the entrance corridor covered from every angle.

I’m aware that there are at least 90 cameras watching your every move, this is Big Brother after all, but for some reason the addition of the eyes makes you feel all the more watched.

Even the dining table is covered with 25 eyeballs in a nod to the show’s birthday, though how much dinner will be consumed will be down to the results of the show’s iconic shopping tasks.

It’s been heavily hinted that these eyes will also play a key role in the upcoming launch show, so it seems Big Brother’s 25th year will be its most omnipotent yet. 

On top of this is the constant addition of bright lights, with sunglasses banned from being worn indoors, meaning it could be an unpleasant awakening for housemates when Big Brother sounds its famous alarm.

The bedroom, with hues of teal and pinks, has three double beds, meaning some housemates will be forced to get very cosy very quickly.

Could this set the stage for yet another unlikely romance? Time will tell.

Heading into the bathroom, it’s far from the idyllic white marble that’s become standard decor for most, and is instead decorated in primary colours that will be an uncomfortable sight for anyone awake at 3am.

The garden once again offers a tiny respite, and some welcome, fresh air, though no doubt housemates will struggle to forget where they are, as even the outdoor sofa is surrounded by cameras.

Also back from the celebrity run is the snug, offering a place for housemates to either escape for a cheeky gossip, or run the risk of punishment by discussing nominations.

The hot tub has also made a return, though whether it will see the same action as series past remains to be seen.

Like most Big Brother fans, I was most excited to see the Diary Room, and this year, it’s a much rounder and firmer seat, though the eyes are again a constant presence.

Regardless, it was still a treat getting to chat to Big Brother himself, a surreal experience having been a fan of the show for two decades. 

Having departed the house, I know it’s going to be tough for housemates to spend up to 47 days locked away from the outside world.

With hints that this will be its most twist-filled run yet, it will be exciting to see which one will join past winners Jordan Sangha and Ali Bromley in the coveted winners club.

Big Brother returns tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.