The latest series of ITV's Big Brother has drawn criticism from viewers who allege the show failed to provide adequate disability access for one of its contestants. Charlotte, an 18-year-old student and quadruple amputee, had to remove her prosthetic legs to enter the Big Brother house during the live launch episode.
Charlotte, who lost her limbs to meningitis at age three, was among 16 housemates introduced on Sunday. Her planned entrance involved being driven to an outdoor stage and ascending a short flight of stairs. However, as she exited the vehicle, her high-heeled shoe became dislodged. In an attempt to help, hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best approached Charlotte, who then informed them she needed to remove her prosthetic legs, stating, "My legs! My shoe came off. I'm so sorry, I had to take my legs off."
Viewers took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their disapproval, with one user writing, "Big Brother being quick to cast disabled people but failing to make the house entrance accessible is just an absolute mockery." Another commented, "No are you actually joking?! THEY DIDNT PLAN AN ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE FOR CHARLOTTE????"
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for Big Brother stated, "Prior to Charlotte's entrance to the House, we worked closely with her and a specialist access co-ordinator to understand her access requirements and agree, with her, the arrangements for her entrance and time in the House." The statement continued, "A plan was put in place based on those discussions and agreed with Charlotte; however, she had an unforeseen issue with her shoe."
The Daily Mail reported that ITV had offered Charlotte the use of a ramp, but she had expressed a preference for using the stairs. Will Best also reportedly rehearsed the entrance with Charlotte.
Big Brother producers reportedly made significant modifications to the house to accommodate Charlotte's accessibility needs, following consultations with her and an access co-ordinator. It is understood that Charlotte spoke with show representatives after the live launch and confirmed she was unharmed.
Despite the controversy surrounding her entrance, Charlotte is currently considered the favorite to win the show's £100,000 prize, with odds from Coral placing her at 5-1. Fans have already voiced their support, with many calling her an "icon" and predicting her victory.
Charlotte has shared her hopes that her participation will challenge perceptions, stating, "Obviously, as a quadruple amputee, people are surprised at anything I do, even normal things like cooking, doing my makeup, getting dressed, stuff like that." She added that she anticipates viewers will be surprised by her everyday activities as they watch her on the show.
Big Brother airs nightly on ITV2 and ITVX.