OK, here we are on the final day of BB9, and what a long, strange trip it's been. Spitgate seems so long ago now – like 11 or 12 weeks ago, in fact. Does anyone even remember that awful piece of work Dennis? Will he be allowed back in the Big Mouth studio tonight, where traditionally all the old housemates gather? (We somehow doubt it.)
Anyway, it's time to reflect: how has the series been for you? Is Big Brother still working? And most importantly, who should win tonight?
Well, I'm all confused I have to admit. I don't think there's ever been a series of BB in which I've changed my mind so many times about what I think of the housemates. Take Darnell, who I used to really like for his honesty and principled stands against the house bullies. Then he turned into a bully himself. Then I quite liked him again, and can see that attractive women like Sara drive him loopy. But now I just think he's too self-absorbed and weird. Rex has been the standout housemate in many ways – that hair (OK, I can hardly talk about hair, but come on – what IS his hair style supposed to be?), that arrogance, that snobbish superiority. Yet he's also one of the most intelligent housemates ever. Maybe an intelligent person automatically goes nuts in the BB house. But no, I think he's probably just a spoilt young man. Mikey? He's stuck to his guns, but let's face it – he's deeply irritating, too. Which just leaves the ladies: Sara and Rachel. I don't think Sara has contributed much apart from her Kath & Kim accent and a lot of annoying flirtiness. SO... I never thought I'd say this when her unbelievable audition video was aired, but I think I want Rachel to win. She's just the nicest person left. A bit boring, sure. But she's a decent human being. And the great thing about BB down the years has been that the Good Guys win. Of course Lisa SHOULD have won, but it's too late for that now.
As for the series itself, I think it's been a good year, maybe not great, but very good. It's had some of the most incredible and funny BB episodes ever, and some of the tasks have been inspired (the OK Go video re-enactment being my favourite), and they found a pretty interesting line-up of bullies, freaks, egomaniac wannabes, nice people and muscled doofuses. It'll be back for another Celebrity series early in 2009 and then the Tenth Anniversary. There's life in the old BB dog yet....
Let me know if you agree.
And if you can stand it, look out for me on BBBM tonight, with Davina (doing a brillaint job as Big Mouth host – she's letting rip!) and as many housemates as will be allowed into the studio. It's going to be a madhouse.
Who really should win?