[James]

Jonny - or any of the other housemates for that matter - was hardly going to declare that he take the phone call himself. They all knew that doing that would look inconsiderate and selfish. A cynic might also suggest that Jonny knew that he would get credit for suggesting that Tim get the call, given that Tim is not his best friend in the house. Jumping in first to suggest this also made it look like an even more selfless act.

And I don't understand why people are saying that this task made Alex look like he was rude and moaning. I just didn't see it. He was quite abrupt when he - of course - said that he didn't want the call but he didn't actually say much during the whole thing.

Also I think that this task illustrates how housemates get on fairly well with Tim and there is a huge difference between how he comes across on TV and what he is like to live with. If they really thought he was as obnoxious as people on the outside make out, they would not have insisted he get the call.