[Winkie Expand]

Among the many changes implemented for BB14, I find this to be one of the more interesting aspects of this year's series and why it feels so different.

On 11 December 2012, it was revealed that Big Brother producers had axed all open auditions for Big Brother 14, making this the first series since Big Brother 5 in 2004 to see housemates chosen only from online applications. In order to become a housemate, potential housemates had to record a 90 second video and fill out an online application form.

If bosses liked what they saw, the chosen few would be invited to 'callbacks', which took place in January and February 2013 in London and Manchester. A source said, "With only a few minutes to impress producers, only the best will get into the show this year. There won't be any second chances or opportunities to try again at another open audition. They have just one shot." However, from 13–15 December, "Talent Spotters" from Big Brother visited bars in Blackpool to find new housemates; they also visited Huddersfield on 14 December 2012.