Channel 5 responds to Big Brother 2014 fix claim

Channel 5 has issued a statement concerning the final of Big Brother 2014.

The statement addresses inquires that the broadcaster has received from viewers over Helen Wood’s controversial win, with many viewers questioning whether the win was kosher.

In addition to comments that have been sent to Channel 5 direct, Ofcom has also received a significant number of complaints over the result, while a petition that has been set up by fans has amassed in excess of 3,000 signatures. Many of the petition’s signators have claimed that they were unable to vote for runner-up Ashleigh Coyle on the night of the final.

Below is an extract from the official statement issued by Channel 5 yesterday:

“Channel 5 has received inquiries from viewers about the most recent series of Big Brother. All voting during Big Brother is independently verified as the voting occurs and when it ends. Only those results which are independently verified are used in determining results which are broadcast as part of Big Brother.

 

“Votes cast are regularly monitored to detect any unusual voting patterns or to determine whether, for instance, computer programmes have been used to implement automatic voting for particular housemates. Where there are discrepancies in voting patterns, in consultation with the independent verifier, consideration is given as to whether the votes should be included.

 

“When voting lines are open, they are regularly monitored, including by independent verifiers, to ensure that votes can be cast on behalf of any housemate up for voting.” – Channel 5

The statement goes on to list the voting stats throughout the day of the final, revealing that Ashleigh started the day over 8,000 votes ahead of Helen. However, as voting drew to a close at 10.03pm on the night of the final, the broadcaster claims that Helen had pulled 4,631 votes ahead of her rival.

The statement also responds to suggestions that the series was rigged in Helen’s favour, after some viewers claimed that Helen was purposely selected to receive a pass to the final by Big Brother and not by Pauline, who they believe was carrying out Big Brother’s orders. Another well-fuelled rumour is that Helen had a prior connection to Northern & Shell or Richard Desmond before entering the house.

“When she was selected as Power Housemate, Pauline knew nothing about what reward would be given to Helen. Big Brother did not know who Pauline would choose until she nominated Helen.

 

“Helen auditioned for Big Brother in the same way as all other applicants for a place in the Big Brother House. When she entered the House, Helen did not have an agent, a manager or any connection with either Northern & Shell or Richard Desmond.” – Channel 5

Addressing Helen’s behaviour in the house, the statement adds: “The behaviour of all housemates is regularly monitored by Big Brother and interventions are made whenever Big Brother considers it necessary. Some interventions are informal, some are formal; some result in serious warnings. Not all of these interventions are included in the material broadcast.”

Channel 5’s full statement can be seen <<<Here>>>