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The first-ever season of Big Brother started on 16 September and would last until 30 December 1999 (106 days). Big Brother (Netherlands) was broadcast by the Dutch television channel Veronica, which formed part of the Holland Media Groep (HMG). The specially built house was located at a factory-site in Almere and Presenters were Rolf Wouters and famous Dutch model Daphne Deckers. The program was an instant hit and experienced exceptionally high ratings. Viewers and streamwatchers of internet forum FOK! alike were fascinated by the boredom and the group dynamics of the nine housemates. Brabant-born Ruud was considered to be the alpha male of the little community. This Burgundian became the darling of the public with his often repeated oneliners and his simple philosophies in the diary room. His lieutenant was the Frisian Willem, who took up the role of house cook. Hotly debated was the relation between the leading female, housewife Karin (who had recently been cured of cancer), and her much younger 'mate' Maurice. Also much talked about was a sex-scene between youngsters Bart and Sabine. The long awaited action under the blankets was captured by the night-vision cameras in the bedroom. The first-ever evicted housemate was Martin, who also vied for Sabine's attentions and had accused Bart of being gay. He was voted out with 30% of the vote with Bart being a close second. The first-ever voluntary exit was for young Tara, who left after only nine days because of boredom. Much maligned was Amsterdam-born intruder Mona, who took her place. In the end Willem betrayed his friend Ruud in the nominations, and Bart became the first-ever Big Brother-winner. He has won ƒ250,000.
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During the series the housemates were visited by artists George Baker, Marco Borsato and Anouk. After they had left the house, both Tara and Sabine obtained photoshoots in the Dutch Playboy. The communally recorded song Big Brother and the tune Leef (Han van Eijk) reached number one in the pop charts.
Anouk
Anouk Drost was a 22-year-old account management student from Zeist. She entered on Day 48 and was evicted on Day 70.
Bart
Bart Spring in 't Veld was the first winner of Big Brother in the world. He was 22 when he entered and he was from Roelofarendsveen.
Bianca
Bianca Plune was a 25-year-old civil servant from Rotterdam. She entered on Day 1, and walked on Day 43 in exchange for 10,000 Guilder.
Cyrille
Cyrille van Hoof was a singer and dancer from Tilburg. She was 26 when she entered the house. She was evicted on Day 56 and entered on Day 48 with Anouk.
Karin
Karin van Elswijk was 39 years old and was the oldest female in the house. She was a housewife from Apeldoorn. She was the last remaining female and was evicted on Day 99.
Martin
Martin Jonkman was the first-ever evictee in Big Brother. He was a 32-year-old company owner from Spijkenisse.
Mona
Mona Rooth-de Leeuw was a 29-year-old barwoman from Amsterdam. She replaced Tara on Day 15 and she took a 10,000 Guilder bribe from Big Brother on Day 43.
Ruud
Ruud Benard was a 44-year-old sportmasseur from Breda. He was the oldest housemate in the house and made it to the final, finishing second.
Sabine
Sabine Wendel was a 25-year-old saleswoman from Tilburg. She was the second to be evicted on Day 36.
Tara
Tara van den Bergh was a 20-year-old police constable from Amsterdam. She became the first person ever to walk away. Tara left on Day 10 due to being bored.
Willem
Willem Boomsma was a 37-year-old cook from Lemmer. He made it to the final and finished third.