As the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother continues to capture UK viewers’ attention, two audience members have provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it is really like to be part of the live studio crowd during the popular ITV show.
Ben Nayler, 26, and Richard Welch, 37, sat in the audience for the spin-off programme Late & Live, which airs on weeknights following the main Celebrity Big Brother event. Speaking on behalf of Best New Bingo Sites, they revealed various details about the studio experience and the atmosphere off-camera.
Ben shared that upon arriving at Versa Studios, where the show is filmed, the surroundings were far from glamorous. “I think the first thing that surprised us when we arrived at Versa Studios was how much it felt like we were in the middle of an industrial park. It didn’t look like much from the outside, but sure enough, that’s where the Big Brother house is,” he explained.
Before attending, audience members were given clear guidance on dress code. “We were told to wear bright colours because it’s such a colourful show, so they didn’t want people sitting there in all black or white,” Ben said. Branded clothing was not allowed, but footwear was unrestricted. Richard recalled an incident where a man wearing a striped top with writing on it was asked by crew to change after cameras assessed the crowd, indicating how meticulously the producers curate the audience’s appearance.
The atmosphere between filming segments was maintained with entertainment and refreshments. Sikisa, a comedian, performed to keep the crowd engaged during the roughly two hours before going live. “She was a big part of making sure the crowd stayed hyped,” Ben said. To sustain energy levels, audience members were offered cans of 12% wine alongside Haribo sweets.
Regarding interactions with the show's hosts and celebrity panel, Richard observed contrasting behaviours. AJ Odudu and Will Best returned as presenters this year. While AJ was less interactive off-camera, “Will made more of an effort, asking questions, showing appreciation for us being there, and getting our thoughts on things like who we wanted to win,” Richard said. In contrast, the celebrity panel tended to keep to themselves, mostly occupied with makeup or discussions with producers and audience managers. Audience members could attempt to engage by shouting questions, but meaningful conversations were rare.
On the topic of audience favourites among the housemates, Ben described the crowd as “divided”. Opinions varied widely, with some supporting Chris Hughes avidly, others disliking Ella Rae Wise, and divided views on Daley Ojuederie and Chesney Brown’s chances. This diversity in opinion was evident when the audience was polled about potential winners, revealing no clear consensus.
Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects for Ben and Richard was realising the level of attention producers pay to how the audience looks. “You kind of assume people just file in and sit wherever they like, but that’s not the case at all. Everyone is placed very deliberately,” Ben noted.
For those considering attending a live broadcast, Ben offered practical advice: “Expect it’ll be a few hours with limited toilet breaks and limited refreshments. But it is good fun.” He also acknowledged the importance of preparation for the length and nature of the experience, recommending having a few drinks beforehand to maintain stamina. “It’s definitely not for someone who just wants an hour on TV. There’s a lot more to it than that.”
Celebrity Big Brother has enjoyed renewed popularity since its return to ITV in 2023, with previous series drawing high ratings thanks to notable contestants like Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, and Fern Britton. This current series has already experienced dramatic moments, including the early eviction of Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke following several incidents inside the house.
The insights from Ben Nayler and Richard Welch provide a unique view of the production dynamics and audience experience that contribute to the ongoing allure of Celebrity Big Brother.
Source: Noah Wire Services