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Big Brother viewers have criticised the decision not to edit out scenes in which Michael Barrymore impersonated Adolf Hitler in a repeat of an episode from 2006.
The moment appeared in the latest episode of Big Brother: Best Shows Ever, in which presenters Davina McCall and Rylan Clark-Neal relive some of the reality series’ most memorable episodes.
Monday night saw them revisit the fourth series of Celebrity Big Brother, where non-celebrity housemate Chantelle Houghton had to convince her fellow contestants she was actually a member of a girl band.
As part of her secret mission, Chantelle and the rest of the house had to take part in a talent show, during which Michael drew on a moustache and slicked down his hair to perform a skit as Hitler.
For many people watching, his impression didn’t feel appropriate to re-air, and bosses were criticised for not editing it out of the broadcast:
The criticism comes after Rylan told viewers of some scenes had been cut out of Sunday night’s first episode, which looked back at Big Brother 1.
He said: “As I’m sure you’re aware, there are some things that we have taken out of a few shows that just… didn’t feel right for 2020.”
Responding to the controversy, a Channel 4 spokesperson told HuffPost UK: “We have carefully reviewed each episode to ensure that it complies with the Ofcom code and provides a fair representation and appropriate context for events in the house at that time.”
Big Brother: Best Shows Ever was commissioned for E4 to celebrate the reality show’s upcoming 20th anniversary, which has seen it returning to its original home in the Channel 4 family.
It had aired on Channel 5 from 2011 to 2018 after it was axed by Channel 4 in 2010.
The first episode of the celebratory show brought back waves of nostalgia for viewers, as they were left stunned at how basic and stripped back the original series was.
Big Brother: Best Shows Ever continues on Tuesday at 9pm on E4.
