Big Brother airs first eviction of 2026 - leaving housemates "shocked" and viewers divided

Big Brother has revealed the result of the first eviction of 2026. Millie, Pauline and Rochelle were on the chopping block after being nominated by mole Tays and his assistant Philip earlier this week.

In tonight's live show, hosts AJ Odudu and dad-to-be Will Best revealed that Millie had polled the most votes, and she duly left the iconic compound just five days after entering.

The housemate's jaw dropped in surprise at the announcement, with her fellow contestants heard voicing their own shock. She left to a near-unanimous positive reception from the gathered audience, who chanted her name as she sat for her exit interview.

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"I am actually quite shocked," she told AJ and Will. "I'm not going to lie. But do you know what, I had the best time and I love absolutely everyone in there."

Asked by Will why she was so taken aback, she referenced the crowd's reactions to the nominees' names during the announcement, when Rochelle could be heard getting a mostly negative response.

"I could hear the reaction from out here, and Rochelle doesn't want to be in there," Millie reasoned. "It's a mix of everything, but I've made friends for life in there. So I'm happy."

Reacting on Instagram, one viewer responded: "She's a sweet girl but Rochelle will be more entertaining going forward and more likely to cause arguments. She also stands out more than Millie so it's the right decision."

Related: Big Brother viewers slam "disgusting" Rochelle comment in "rude" chat with Charlotte

"For once in the history of bb the british public got the first boot right! Why the f would you want to vote out ENTERTAINMENT [sic]," another agreed.

However, other commenters voiced their disapproval, with one sayin "she deserved better", and former finalist Cameron Kinch writing: "Absolutely devastated! Such a lovely girl deserved to stay longer!"

Earlier in the episode, Tays' identity as the mole was finally revealed to the group, and he left the house to a positive reception from the crowd. His exit marked the end of the show's House of Chaos-themed launch week, which has dominated events since last Sunday's series premiere.

Next up, it's the House of Double Trouble - with AJ and Will confirming rumours that Jedward will enter the game for a guest stint.

Big Brother airs on ITV2 and ITVX.

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Shaun is an Evening News Editor at Digital Spy, with over a decade of experience reporting on all things pop culture. He has written for outlets including Metro, Attitude, Huffington Post, The Mirror, Yahoo!, Pink News and Express Online, specialising in TV, movies, soaps, music and LGBTQ+ issues. He is also a BAFTA Rocliffe-winning scriptwriter, having written episodes of the soap Hollyoaks, the official Steps musical Here & Now and multiple Offie Award-nominated plays. He studied English Literature and Drama at the University of East Anglia, and will happily talk at length about Desperate Housewives to anyone who'll listen.