[Red Moon]

Big Brother we are watching you

AS it's now August, it can only mean that I am about to write about one of the biggest events of the year. Something that is now as much a part of our summer as the occasional sunshine and barbecue. If it didn't happen there would no doubt be an outcry and without it many of our "stars" wouldn't be where they are today.

Yup, Big Brother is about to enter it's final week, and what a run it has been this year. If you have watched it, you'll have no doubt been glued, and if you haven't watched it, then you'll have no doubt have heard about it.

On screen this year we have witnessed infatuation, titillation, humiliation, inebriation and, most recently this week, masterful lessons in exhibitionism.

As ever, this programme has divided the nation. Some watch it and inevitably become hooked, others refuse to have it on in their house as it is "just plain rubbish".

It's the original, and some would say best, reality TV show and although over the years it has had its highs and lows with regards viewing figures, it still remains unmissable for many. Clubs and pubs up and down the country have undoubtedly lost money as Friday nights for many now involve a bottle of wine, some pals and a night in at home watching the eviction night events unfold.

This year there have been the usual drink-fuelled arguments, bitching sessions, people falling in and out of love and many desperate attempts at creating a career in television left, right and centre. All normal BB fodder, but this year things have gone further. Much further.

There has been bisexual, homosexual and heterosexual activity which resulted in orgies in the pool, with one such encounter leading to an apparent pregnancy scare.

There have also been shenanigans under the duvet between consenting adults and unrequited love of bunny-boiling proportions between two blokes. One gay and one straight(ish). This week saw what appeared to be the most explicit piece of mainstream television I have ever seen.

Kinga, a recent housemate, arrived hellbent on trying to outdo all that had gone before her. And if outrageous behaviour was her goal, then she scored with aplomb. Her way of necking a bottle of wine was quite unorthodox to say the least and I doubt very much if we've heard the last of her, although I do hope her favourite wine doesn't appear on any wine list near me very soon. Jings, I almost choked on my Pinot Grigio!

But what is it about this programme that makes us tune in nightly to find out the latest goings on?

And not just nightly - I will hereby confess to having tuned in late at night to watch the action live and have found myself sitting watching people have a late-night conversation, only I can't hear it because the dialogue is not broadcast because of its content. So in effect I'm sitting watching people chat, but not hearing anything.

Can someone please tell me why I watch it? I know it's diabolical, I know it's dull, but I can't help it. Thankfully, I know I'm not alone on this; the only difference is not many people admit to being quite so sad in such a public fashion.

We know people now see BB as basically a very quick way to national fame and intense magazine coverage, and sadly those who take part often see it as a shoe in to celebrity status, with TV presenting job offers inevitably following (sadly in some cases, they actually do).

So, we don't know why we watch it, but we do because, strangely we love it. But if asked, would we go on it?

Well, personally speaking, I've done all sorts of ridiculous things in public under the guise of forging a career, but having cameras watching my every move 24/7 isn't something I could seriously contemplate - I mean, have you seen me in my pants? Come to think of it, don't answer that.

Also, could I really take myself away for three months from everything I know and love?

I ask you, what man could survive these days without family, friends, Chinese food, Xbox, beers, DVDs and Hibs? Exactly.

Source: news.scotsman.com