Overview

• The ITV2/ITVX live launch introduced 12 housemates in a seven-week series hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best.
• Viewers had a short window to assign an 'evil eye,' making housemates eligible for an immediate eviction.
• Sam (27), Emily (25) and Caroline (56) received the most votes and were sent to an exit room to await the outcome.
• Social media reaction skewed negative, with many calling the first-night eviction 'brutal' or 'cruel' and criticizing the youthful lineup.
• ITV confirmed nightly companion show Big Brother: Late & Live and a seven-night ITVX live stream for ongoing coverage.