[BB11UK]

Think of how expensive it is to hire out the main venue of the city for a day.

Then times it by two or three for next day auditions (manchester + london) and call-backs.

Then think of how much people are paid - the producers, the runners, the security, the venue staff, the casting team.

By no longer including Birmingham, Newcastle and Belfast they are saving LOADS of money to use on BB11.

Plus...if people want it bad enough, they will travel to the venue. It might take you a 5hour train journey or something and cost quite a bit, but if you want it you'll go. This way it is eliminating all the people who are just auditioning on a whim.