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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Needham

Big Brother secrets - how producers shifted the rules to wreak havoc on housemates

Big Brother underwent a huge transformation in the 20 years it was on television.

In the early days, housemates entered the Elstree compound with books to read while challenges got as complicated as making pottery and memorising facts about each other.

Things took a turn when 'Nasty Nick' Bateman became the first contestant to be disqualified back in Series One for 'persistent infringement' of the rules as he tried to manipulate the voting process.

"He was discovered to have been writing notes and showing them to fellow contestants in an attempt to influence their voting intentions," a Channel 4 spokesperson said at them, leading producers to ban pens and paper from the house.

'Nasty' Nick was the first housemate to be kicked out of Big Brother for breaking the rules (PA)

But the biggest switch-up came in 2004 after series Four - won by Cameron Stout - was slammed by fans as the most 'boring ever'.

Producers stepped in to shake up the format and Big Brother returned with a new evil side as twists and secrets aplenty were dumped on the unsuspecting housemates.

The change worked a treat with series Five clocking up some of the show's most controversial moments, including the infamous Fight Night which followed a fake eviction.

Although the quest for drama arguably went too far as security guards were forced to enter the house to separate some of the riled up housemates after they threw trays at each other.

(REX/Shutterstock)

Viewers will get to relive some of Big Brother's most memorable moments as part of a special series that debuts this Sunday on E4.

Best Shows Every Show will air on E4 on June 14 at 9pm and air from Sunday to Thursday for two weeks, with the 'feature length' shows fronted by Davina McCall and Rylan Clarke-Neal.

It's still unconfirmed as to whether some of the more controversial episodes will make it to air.

According to insiders some of the ex housemates are concerned about certain scenes resurfacing.

Davina and Rylan shared a cute snap on social media after they finished filming (@ThisisDavina/Twitter)

A source told The Sun: “The idea of those scenes being replayed now is a nightmare as many of them have respectable jobs and families.

“All the housemates knew what they were signing up for but as it was so long ago, those who shied away from the spotlight have moved on with their lives.

“Some have even changed their names and appearance so they aren’t recognised.”

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