University of the West of Scotland reality TV expert gives his take on Big Brother's return

Daniel Twist says the original series was a trailblazer

Big Brother is watching.
Author: Stephanie AllisonPublished 6th Oct 2023

The launch of Big Brother 2023 is just three days away, with a brand new group of contestants entering the famous house on Sunday.

To mark the event we've been speaking with resident reality TV expert at the University of the West of Scotland on how the show has shaped the world of reality television.

Daniel Twist, a Broadcast Production lecturer, told us: "It was the first reality TV series to feature live recordings of contestants 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"It just completely broke the mould."

30,000 applications have been whittled down to just 16, and the format is expected to go back to its roots from 2000.

Twist says the show shaped modern reality TV.

He continued: "All these mechanics that we see on Big Brother have been used time and time again.

"Whether it's Love Island or I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, these techniques are all down to the significance of Big Brother."

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