Big Brother Fans Criticise Decision To Leave Michael Barrymore's Hitler Impression In Repeat Of 2006 Episode

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Big Brother viewers have criticised the decision not to edit out scenes in which Michael Barrymore impersonated Adolf Hitler in a repeat of an episode from 2006.

The moment appeared in the latest episode of Big Brother: Best Shows Ever, in which presenters Davina McCall and Rylan Clark-Neal relive some of the reality series’ most memorable episodes.

Monday night saw them revisit the fourth series of Celebrity Big Brother, where non-celebrity housemate Chantelle Houghton had to convince her fellow contestants she was actually a member of a girl band.

As part of her secret mission, Chantelle and the rest of the house had to take part in a talent show, during which Michael drew on a moustache and slicked down his hair to perform a skit as Hitler.

Michael Barrymore on Celebrity Big Brother

For many people watching, his impression didn’t feel appropriate to re-air, and bosses were criticised for not editing it out of the broadcast:

still can't get over that Big Brother thing the other day where it went "and we have removed some clips which didn't feel very 2020"

then showed a clip of Michael Barrymore dressed as Hitler
— peanut (@AmyLeMesmer) June 16, 2020

Watching yesterday’s Big Brother Best Shows Ever and Rylan says “We did leave some scenes out which we just felt didn’t feel right for 2020” which begs the question as to why they felt Michael Barrymore’s Hitler impression was appropriate for 2020 in today’s episode
— Tyla Campbell (@TylaTPTP) June 15, 2020

E4 missing a trick with #bbuk last night as overall it was a very weak episode and wouldn't have made anyone's top 10. Especially having Michael Barrymore impersonating Hitler.. which they managed to keep in.
— iSolate (@iPoof) June 16, 2020

Yesterday: "Obviously we've cut out some bits from the old Big Brothers that didn't seem right for 2020".

Today: Airs Barrymore doing a Hitler impression
— JH (@iamhighlystrung) June 15, 2020

They’re really allowing Michael Barrymore’s performance of Hitler to be broadcast?! I was certain E4 would NEVER air that again. Prepare yourselves for the OFCOM complaints 🙄😴😴 #BigBrother #BigBrotherBestShowsEver
— Lauren (@miss_lauren_uk) June 15, 2020

Last night E4 got panned for Big Brother being boring, so to make up for it tonight they thought they would show Michael Barrymore impersonating Hitler. Interesting decision. Offcom phone lines all engaged...
— reffobboy (@reffobboy) June 15, 2020

Of course Barrymore pretended to be Hitler and Frank Spencer. Cringeingly dated and unfunny, even then. #BBUK
— Roz Laws (@rozlaws) June 15, 2020

Not sure that given what’s been going on recently that now is the time for E4 to remind us of the time Michael Barrymore performed as Hitler on #BigBrotherBestShowsEver Fingers on the pulse of the nation...
— Mikee Diablo (@MikeeDiablo) June 15, 2020

Going to remove parts that haven’t aged well... Michael Barrymore doing hitler? That got through? #BBUK
— Chris Tottey (@TotteyChris) June 15, 2020

we are removing scenes that don’t feel right to show in 2020.

... here is a hitler impression 🙄#BBUK
— grant gulczynski (@grantgulczynski) June 15, 2020

They didn't cut out the Hitler impression. Shit 😬#BBUK
— Salv Mancuso (@Salv1992) June 15, 2020

They didn't cut it?! I can't believe it. #BBUK
— Alfie Sheldon (@AlfieS12) June 15, 2020

The criticism comes after Rylan told viewers of some scenes had been cut out of Sunday night’s first episode, which looked back at Big Brother 1.

He said: “As I’m sure you’re aware, there are some things that we have taken out of a few shows that just... didn’t feel right for 2020.”

Responding to the controversy, a Channel 4 spokesperson told HuffPost UK: “We have carefully reviewed each episode to ensure that it complies with the Ofcom code and provides a fair representation and appropriate context for events in the house at that time.”

Big Brother: Best Shows Ever was commissioned for E4 to celebrate the reality show’s upcoming 20th anniversary, which has seen it returning to its original home in the Channel 4 family.

It had aired on Channel 5 from 2011 to 2018 after it was axed by Channel 4 in 2010.

The first episode of the celebratory show brought back waves of nostalgia for viewers, as they were left stunned at how basic and stripped back the original series was.

Big Brother: Best Shows Ever continues on Tuesday at 9pm on E4.