Teen Big Brother: The Experiment

Overview

Featuring eight 18-year-olds, it was broadcast between 13–17 October 2003 on Channel 4 and E4. Trailed as 'The Experiment', Teen Big Brother was originally shot in advance over the course of ten days between 30 July to 8 August, to air in 2003 as an educational item, screened as part of Channel 4's 4Learning programming. The tasks were created so as to promote such values as cooperation and team spirit, and topics like politics and religion were discussed. After editing, however, the footage was felt to be compelling enough for a more mass-market time slot, so the show was moved ahead to October 2003 and formatted to be shown over one week (five episodes).

Teen Big Brother was different from the original Big Brother UK series in a number of ways. Since it was pre-recorded, the contestants themselves and not the audience decided which housemates were to be voted out. At the end, the eventual winner of a grand prize was decided by group decision (a cash prize was replaced by a round-the-world trip). No alcohol or cigarettes were allowed. The basic premise of the show, however, remained the same, and no special treatment was made for the housemates.

On Day Six/Seven, Jade Dyer and Tommy Wright became the first Big Brother UK contestants to have sex on the show in its history. According to The Independent, this was the first real-life sexual act shown on British television (although nothing explicit was seen; the two were under bedcovers). This sparked controversy in the British media and comment on teenage safe sex education.

Paul Brennan was voted the winner, and selected Caroline Cloke to accompany him in sharing the prize of a fully paid three-month round-the-world tour. A programme about the tour was mentioned on the final episode, and was to be broadcast on E4 a few months later, but never was due to lack of interest. In addition he won a period of work experience selected for his interests, with a New York City fashion designer.

An edited version of Teen Big Brother – The Experiment was eventually broadcast in January 2004 as part of 4Learning's morning schedule and was designed with formal curriculum teaching in mind. The incident featuring Jade and Tommy did not appear in this edit.

Paul Brennan

Paul Brennan was voted as the winner of Teen Big Brother on Day 10, meaning he won a trip around the world.

Caroline, Tracey and Jade voted for him to win Teen Big Brother. Since September 2009, Paul lives in Belfast and has established himself in the adult film world. In a recent television interview, Paul quelled rumours of a rift between him and transsexual business partner, Belfast model agency owner, Tracy Hall. Paul lives with his long term partner and local makeup artist Michael Curran. Paul and Michael recently announced their plans for a civil partnership with a view to adopt. It is rumoured that wedding guests would include local celebrities Louis Walsh, Julian Simmons and Daniel O'Donnell.

Caroline Cloke

Caroline Cloke came second. Paul chose her to go on the trip with him.

Tracey Fowler

Tracey Fowler came third, she received one vote from Tommy.

Tommy Wright

Tommy Wright came joint fourth with Jade, receiving no votes to win.

Jade Dyer

Jade Dyer came joint fourth with Tommy, receiving no votes to win.

James Kelly

James Kelly was disqualified from the competition, meaning that he could not win Teen Big Brother. He did, however stay until the final day and despite being unable to win himself, he was able to vote for another person to win.

Shaneen Dawkins

Shaneen Dawkins was the second housemate to be evicted on Day 8, she was nominated against everybody except for Caroline. The housemates had to nominate one housemate they wanted to save, she received no votes and left the house.

Hasan Shah

Hasan Shah was the first housemate to be evicted on Day 5, being nominated against Shaneen. He has since gone on to do various acting work, notably being the face (and voice) of Chilli Talk calling cards, along with other film and TV work.

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