Former Olympic champion, Daley Thompson, departed the “Celebrity Big Brother” house in a dramatic eviction, but not before delivering a pointed observation regarding certain dynamics within the competition. At 66 years old, Thompson found himself amongst those facing removal alongside EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, and he utilized his final moments to offer what he considered advice to Ella Rae Wise.
This counsel emerged during Sunday’s broadcast, specifically concerning a perceived imbalance in attention surrounding the relationship between Chris Hughes, 32, and JoJo Siwa, 21. Thompson suggested that Wise should recognize a strategic element at play within the house.
He stated: “I have got no advice for you… Except, I know it’s difficult if you are struggling to be heard, put your hand up.” He elaborated, arguing, “Because there’s some people that are really loud and there’s some people that do this professionally as a game.”
Thompson identified two individuals – Hughes and Siwa – as consistently employing this tactic, predicting their close association would dominate viewer interest. “There’s two people in here that do it all of the time. I think on the cameras, people will be interested in their relationship,” he commented.
Following the episode, Danny Beard overheard Thompson’s warning relayed by Ella Rae Wise to fellow housemates Donna Preston and herself. Wise recounted Thompson’s sentiments: “Daley just basically said that you’ve got to be careful. There are two reality stars in here that do reality every single day,” she reported. “He said they know what they’re doing, if they pair up, they’re going to take a lot of air time from people. And it’s going to be very fixated on them both. And just to be mindful.”
Chris Hughes responded calmly, asserting his belief in the genuineness of his friendship with Siwa, attributing their closeness to the natural tendency to connect during extended periods away from home: “I’m fine with that. ‘I know that mine and JoJo’s friendship is genuine. I’m fine with other people looking at it from that perspective. ‘When you’ve been somewhere for two weeks, naturally you’re going to gravitate towards people. That’s just life.’”
Ella Rae Wise quickly added a critical counterpoint: “What we’ve got to take into consideration is that there’s people in here that have caring sides, and there’s people in here who wouldn’t want you to be used for your platform.”
The exchange sparked considerable debate amongst viewers on social media. Many expressed frustration with Thompson’s repeated use of the term “professional performers,” while others defended Hughes and Siwa.
One commentator wrote: “Daley continuously saying ‘professional performers’ bore off #CBB.”
Another argued, “Chris was exactly the same in love island! He’s just a laugh, he’s got his own platform and has done well with itv racing, I don’t get the hate #CBB,” while others questioned Wise’s apparent animosity towards the pair, suggesting jealousy.
Some viewers focused on the disproportionate airtime afforded to Hughes and Siwa, criticizing the editing: “Am I the only one who can’t be bothered #jojo and #chris in #CBB they get on every single one of my nerves. just not my cup of tea.”
Ultimately, Thompson’s words ignited a significant discussion about strategy, perception, and the dynamics within the “Celebrity Big Brother” house.
