Big Brother UK has reached its thrilling climax with the announcement of its 2024 winner. After 41 days of drama, laughter, and tears, Alison "Ali" Bromley emerged victorious, walking away with the cash prize of £90,000 on the live finale aired on ITV2.
Hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, the finale showcased the remaining six housemates—Ali, Emma Morgan, Hanah Haji, Marcello Spooks, Nathan King, and Segun Shodipo—who faced intense scrutiny from both the live audience and viewers at home. The atmosphere was electric as they enjoyed one last dinner inside the Big Brother house before the big reveal.
The final voting phase saw Segun placed sixth, followed by Nathan at fifth. The audience anticipated the next elimination with bated breath, and when Hanah left the competition, the housemates seemed visibly shaken. Emma clinched third place, leaving Ali and Marcello to battle for the crown.
With more than five million votes cast by the public, Ali secured her win with 51.9% of the votes, besting Marcello Spooks, who finished as the runner-up. Upon exiting the house, Ali expressed her disbelief at the victory. "I didn’t think I would win; I was just myself the entire time. Sometimes I made mistakes, but I hope people connected with my authenticity," she reflected during her winner's interview.
The past season was filled with twists and turns as housemates formed alliances and navigated various challenges. While Ali dominated the final moments, Marcello’s tenure was not without controversy; he faced backlash from fans throughout his time on the show. During his exit interview, he acknowledged the challenges of remaining true to himself under pressure.", Meanwhile, the season has been rife with allegations from fans questioning the legitimacy of the voting process. Many viewers took to social media after the finale to express their opinions of perceived favoritism, with some claiming the show was "fixed" for Ali’s advantage. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) exploded with uproar like: "Yeah, ITV is such a fix," and "#BigBrother biggest f****g fix ever!"
Despite these claims, the applause of the live audience and the buzz surrounding the final showcased the show's enduring popularity. AJ Odudu and Will Best, the show's hosts, played pivotal roles throughout the season, maintaining the energy and excitement each night as the series progressed.
This year's installment has tied itself to history, marking the 25th anniversary of Big Brother’s launch in the UK. ITV, buoyed by the ratings success, has confirmed plans for another season set to air in 2025, which also includes the return of Celebrity Big Brother.
Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Big Brother programming has firmly established itself across ITV’s platforms and has become a favorite with our viewers. Together, Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother have grown audiences on ITV1 and ITV2 and amassed almost 100 million streams on ITVX." The persistent love from audiences suggests Big Brother has captivated viewers for decades.
With the series now concluded, fans reflect on the friendships, betrayals, and unforgettable moments experienced throughout the season. The camaraderie and chaos of the Big Brother house have left indelible marks on its contestants, viewers, and the broader fabric of reality television. For the housemates, including Ali and Marcello, friendships forged within the walls of the house may continue as they navigate life post-Big Brother.
So, as the curtain closes on this season of Big Brother UK, fans are left to ponder the unexpected outcomes and the future of the beloved franchise. Can next year's season live up to the emotional rollercoaster of this one? Only time will tell.
