Exclusive: Big Brother hosts stress housemates will feel 'safe and protected' after 2025 controversy

The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported. Big Brother hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best have opened up about how this year's housemates will be looked after behind-the-scenes. A new series of the reality TV show kicks off on Sunday, 13 September, and a new batch of individuals will be moving in and making friends, with the 2026 instalment set to last for eight weeks. Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, AJ and Will praised the new housemates for being brave enough to take part and also stressed that ITV and the Big Brother team take duty of care very seriously. When asked if it is down to the individuals to take responsibility for being aware of how they act in front of the cameras, AJ said: "I think housemates, ultimately, you want them to be their best selves. [And] there's so many conversations that happen way before they come on into the Big Brother house. But what you've got to remember is it is live and they are thrown into an environment that is completely foreign." ITV She continued: "And so, anything can happen. I'm sure everyone's got a plan of action when they do something to begin with and then, you know, mix in with a lot of different dynamics sometimes." Will agreed and added: "They've never been in this environment before. Different things happen, and I'm always just in complete awe of anyone who goes into that house because it is just such an unreal environment to be in. What to Read Next "I think anybody who goes for it is amazing, should be applauded and should be looked after, you know." Their comments come after George Gilbert was removed from the house during the 2025 series "following repeated use of unacceptable language and behaviour". Before being told he needed to leave, George was issued with a formal warning for comments he made to his fellow housemate, Sam Ashby, that could have "caused offence". He was told: "During a game of Truth or Dare, when asked about your least favourite qualities of other Housemates, you said the following, 'Sam, um too…'. You then went on to mimic Sam using both noises that mocked the way Sam talks and body language that included limp wrists. "Do you understand how both your language and behaviour could be offensive to Sam, your housemates and the viewing public?' they continued, with George replying: "We did have a conversation about this, Sam pulled me to one side. I have apologised." Two days later, George was removed. When asked about last year's controversy, AJ replied: "Essentially everything is taken care of behind the scenes, privately between the housemates and the team." Will then said: "And I think the important thing to remember is that Big Brother, yes it's a social experiment, but it's also a fun entertainment show and our main priority is that everybody watching enjoys it and that everybody taking part enjoys it and feels safe and protected and like they're in there for the experience of a lifetime." He added: "And I think that's the main aim of kind of everybody involved in making the show, is making sure that it stays that way for everyone, viewers and housemates alike." Sharing some advice for this year's participants, Will suggested: "I think it'll be, embrace everything right? Like, the people who we all love as viewers are always the people who really get stuck into everything the house has to offer. "And you know, there are going to be highs and lows, but you know, that's life and that's why the show works so well. But you know, there will be times when they have to wear stupid clothes and do ridiculous things in order to, you know, earn luxuries or whatever it is. And the more people just get stuck right in, the more fun they will have. "And the people that come out being like, 'that was the best thing I've ever done' are the people who just abandon themselves to the experiment and get the most out of it," he added. Big Brother returns on 13 September at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. Big Brother: The Group Chat will air on ITV2, ITVX and YouTube, with episodes also available across major podcast platforms. Read more Big Brother news on our dedicated homepage