Fake deaths and brawls — Ranking Big Brother’s most iconic moments ahead of reboot

As the iconic reality TV show gears up for its return, HUNGER takes a look at its most viral moments.

There aren’t many shows that have captured the nation quite like Big Brother. It’s become part and parcel of UK culture, just like incapable governments, scandals and fish and chips. So, the fact that we’ve gone five years without a new series is quite a big deal. For many, we’ve grown up with the crude reality show, laughing along with and at its selection of wacky, larger-than-life contestants, and now, after a five-year stint on the sidelines, Big Brother is returning once more.

The iconic eye logo has had a technicolour revamp, and since its reveal, it has piqued the public’s interest. With the promise of a new host, lineup and shiny new house, the reboot – which is just a few weeks away – has got us all reminiscing on the endless iconic moments the show has produced. So, without further ado, here are our faves from Big Brother’s most viewed moments over the years (statistics gathered by Casino Hawks).

Security step in

Coming in at 10th is a moment from the non-celebrity season 7 of Big Brother UK, where a disagreement between Isabelle Warburton and Lotan Carter erupted into an explosive argument amongst all housemates, causing security to step in. This moment received 295,452 views on YouTube and was so controversial it led to Carter’s removal from the house and Warburton ultimately winning the series.

“I’m claustrophobic, Darren!”

Moving onto 6th place, it’s one we all know and love from Gemma Collins. A line so iconic it still rings around our heads daily and is still used in memes all these years later. We’re, of course, talking about the “I’m claustrophobic, Darren” speech. That clip, which came in season 17, has been viewed over 400,000 times on YouTube but will continue to be passed on down the generations as a piece of true British heritage. 

Tiffany Pollard’s speech

The GC is again involved in 4th place, thanks to Tiffany Pollard’s speech about the former TOWIE star, receiving 800,000 views. After a major fallout with Collins over a couple of days and facing embarrassment in front of the Celebrity Big Brother house, Tiffany Pollard shares her feelings about Gemma, calling her a “disgrace to humanity.” Ouch.

Mashed Potatoes meltdown

Coming in at 3rd is Megan McKenna’s meltdown over mashed potatoes, which cracked the million view mark. The Celebrity Big Brother housemate had a hilarious breakdown after she struggled to live on rations for the entire day as part of a task. The breaking point came after she was fed spam and mashed potatoes for dinner (which, now that we think of it, probably warrants a meltdown). “It’s not even fucking real potato! It’s shit!” We feel you, Megan.

David’s dead

Big Brother‘s most iconic moment, sitting on over 4,000,000 views, comes from Pollard yet again, who competed with Angie Bowie season 17 along with celebrities like David Gest, Gemma Collins, and friend of the Kardashians, Jonathan Cheban. Unfortunately, while on the show, Angie’s ex-husband passed away from cancer. Tiffany noticed she looked upset, so Angie confided in her and asked her not to tell anyone. However, the Flavor of Love star misunderstood when Angie told her David died and thought she meant their housemate David. As a result, Tiffany ran around the house screaming, “David’s dead.” It’s a moment so painfully awkward you just have to sit there and laugh.

WriterChris Saunders
Banner Image Credit@Channel 4