[James]

The housemates are suffering more now, but only a little more so than before.

Let's not delude ourselves to think they were living in luxury before. If they hadn't chosen to go into the house we would say they were being denied basic human rights.
They already had a total lack of privacy -something prisoners do not have to endure, complete isolation from the outside world and the possibility that they will leave the house to a chorus of boos - hated by the British public. All this for little or no reward.
I think these hardships are far tougher than having to eat basic rations and cook on an outdoor stove.
I wouldn't go in the Big Brother house even if it was set in a 5-star hotel.

I enjoyed the old format, in previous years, so it would be a bit self-righteous for me to criticise the producers for this.

As to how entertaining it will be, only time will tell.