[James]

The problems of BB3 were many and varied so it is not easy to pinpoint one thing. However the potential for the series was limited from day one because of the mix of housemates. They chose younger, brasher and coarser housemates. Some of the show's other troubles like not enough interesting conversations are a direct result of this.

Also, because it is the third series, the contestants are much more savvy about what would make them unpopular and what could make them popular, so it seemed much more false.

Add to that the increased manipulation of events inside the house, from the producers, and you’ve got a recipe for less real reality TV.

It’s been said that many of the changes (the Saturday night live task for instance) were a result of Channel 4 – rather than Endemol - meddling with format because they needed a hit to shore up their financial position. I think there might be truth in this. He who pays the piper calls the tune.