Big Brother fans divided by new spinoff replacing former Late and Live show: 'Missing the energy'

Big Brother fans have contrasting opinions about the new spinoff Big Brother: The Group Chat, a new series breaking down all the twists of the main show after transmission. Hosted by GK Barry and former Big Brother winner Kate Lawler, the new series replaces previous spinoff Late & Live.

According to the spinoff's description, The Group Chat aims to bring fans "closer to the personalities, dynamics and relationships at the heart of the series", with "exclusive interviews with evicted Housemates, celebrity fans and special guests".

However, not everyone has been loving the new series, with fans seriously divided over whether the spinoff is a worthy successor of Late & Live.

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On Instagram, one person called for a return to the original spinoff, writing: "It's giving Gogglebox vibes. Lovely ladies but it's not right. Even the pre-recorded vibes make it feel staged."

They added: "I miss the Big Brother Interactive with the audience, sass, tea and vibes Please bring it back thanks in advance."

Someone else conceded that Barry and Lawler are doing "a good job" but "the energy of the show is missing", while another Big Brother viewers agreed: "I missed the energy of Late and Live. Had to switch this one off unfortunately."

"I much prefer the TV format with more energy, guests and unseen clips etc. This feels like a let down and not doing the show justice," said a fourth person.

Meanwhile, others seemed to have enjoyed the switch to a more intimate, podcast-like format.

"Great job girls," a fifth viewer noted. "Much better than Late & Live with all its noise and screaming. Will actually watch this every night."

"Loved this podcast," was another comment. "They cut straight to the chase with the debriefing and opinions - that's why we watch it, let's be real."

Big Brother airs on ITV2 and streams on ITVX.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).