Do you ever have a moment when you want to reach into your TV and slap someone? This is a regular feeling for me, whenever I watch the current goings-on in the Big Brother house. Specifically, arrogant Rex and moody Nicole. The lovebirds-of-prey.
BB9 has approached the relationship angle to the show differently this year, by putting in housemates who are already lovers. First, Mario and Lisa went in as a couple (and their union kept secret as part of a weeklong secret task). In Week 8, the producers took things a step further: by putting in the girlfriend (Nicole) of an established housemate (Rex), who has been watching her boyfriend for months on TV and knows about his alleged cheating ways. Crucially, she isn't allowed to confront her other half, because it constitutes news from the "outside world".
The tension between the N&R is therefore palpable, regularly exploding into malicious and uncomfortable rows. Rex senses Nicole knows something about his past, but she can't confirm or deny anything. No matter how irritating his pestering becomes. If the allegations of him cheating on Nicole are true, he probably knows what she's upset about and feels guilty but can't bring it up on national TV. He might be scared he'll admit to something she doesn't know about. But, if the allegations of his Vegas fling are pure tittle-tattle, I feel sorry for Rex -- who must be totally bewildered by Nicole's behaviour.
Actually, strike that. I don't feel sorry for either of these idiots. Cheesy-grin Nicole is particularly irritating, sneering and moody. If she harboured a grudge for Rex after reading about his indiscretion, why go into the house knowing you can't confront him about it? Oh yes, the chance to be famous was just too much. That's sad, but understandable. Someone like Nicole would never have made it onto BB via the auditioning process. She's too bland, too dependent on others, and too quiet. I'm actually amazed she passed whatever psychological tests the producers insist they put housemates through. She did pass, didn't she?
Nicole also likes to moan that she's "just Rex's girlfriend" in the house. The sad thing is; she's 100% correct. But what she fails to realize is that it's her own fault she's in Rex's shadow. She alienated herself from the beginning, choosing to focus her attention on her boyfriend and not make connections with the other housemates.
In her defence, it must be very strange to be amongst people you've been watching on TV. Can you imagine going into the BB house right now? Who would you gravitate towards, knowing everyone's foibles, secrets and alliances? The weight of knowledge must be quite a pressure. But you'd at least be cordial and try to get on with people, wouldn't you? Nicole just sits in the ashtray smoking.
Not that Nicole spends much time alone there. That's impossible with puppy dog Rex around. Honestly, I'm surprised Rex doesn't crouch next to her on the toilet cooing "what's the matter? Tell me", and staring at her like a statue while she pleads with him to go away. Over and over and over again. He does have a very strange obsession with her. It shows itself in his domineering attitude towards her. She's just his trophy girlfriend in many ways: there to be nuzzled, kissed and massaged on a whim.
Of course, it all makes for great TV. While extremely annoying, you can't stop watching in the naughty hope to witness a major meltdown. Nicole will either reveal Rex has been unfaithful and accept Big Brother's punishment (I doubt they'll kick her out), or she'll suffer in silence until evicted to a cacophony of boo's for her high-maintenance grouchiness. There's a chance she'll walk, possibly after dumping Rex, but I can't see it happening...
Nicole's Catch-22 is that she's clinging to this painful experience as a thread that might lead to fame and fortune afterwards. Maybe her plan was to go into the house, become really popular, then dump Rex after the show and make her own cash by posing for lad's mags. I can't wait for her perfume: MISERABLE.
Channel 4/E4, various
BB9 has approached the relationship angle to the show differently this year, by putting in housemates who are already lovers. First, Mario and Lisa went in as a couple (and their union kept secret as part of a weeklong secret task). In Week 8, the producers took things a step further: by putting in the girlfriend (Nicole) of an established housemate (Rex), who has been watching her boyfriend for months on TV and knows about his alleged cheating ways. Crucially, she isn't allowed to confront her other half, because it constitutes news from the "outside world".
The tension between the N&R is therefore palpable, regularly exploding into malicious and uncomfortable rows. Rex senses Nicole knows something about his past, but she can't confirm or deny anything. No matter how irritating his pestering becomes. If the allegations of him cheating on Nicole are true, he probably knows what she's upset about and feels guilty but can't bring it up on national TV. He might be scared he'll admit to something she doesn't know about. But, if the allegations of his Vegas fling are pure tittle-tattle, I feel sorry for Rex -- who must be totally bewildered by Nicole's behaviour.
Actually, strike that. I don't feel sorry for either of these idiots. Cheesy-grin Nicole is particularly irritating, sneering and moody. If she harboured a grudge for Rex after reading about his indiscretion, why go into the house knowing you can't confront him about it? Oh yes, the chance to be famous was just too much. That's sad, but understandable. Someone like Nicole would never have made it onto BB via the auditioning process. She's too bland, too dependent on others, and too quiet. I'm actually amazed she passed whatever psychological tests the producers insist they put housemates through. She did pass, didn't she?
Nicole also likes to moan that she's "just Rex's girlfriend" in the house. The sad thing is; she's 100% correct. But what she fails to realize is that it's her own fault she's in Rex's shadow. She alienated herself from the beginning, choosing to focus her attention on her boyfriend and not make connections with the other housemates.
In her defence, it must be very strange to be amongst people you've been watching on TV. Can you imagine going into the BB house right now? Who would you gravitate towards, knowing everyone's foibles, secrets and alliances? The weight of knowledge must be quite a pressure. But you'd at least be cordial and try to get on with people, wouldn't you? Nicole just sits in the ashtray smoking.
Not that Nicole spends much time alone there. That's impossible with puppy dog Rex around. Honestly, I'm surprised Rex doesn't crouch next to her on the toilet cooing "what's the matter? Tell me", and staring at her like a statue while she pleads with him to go away. Over and over and over again. He does have a very strange obsession with her. It shows itself in his domineering attitude towards her. She's just his trophy girlfriend in many ways: there to be nuzzled, kissed and massaged on a whim.
Of course, it all makes for great TV. While extremely annoying, you can't stop watching in the naughty hope to witness a major meltdown. Nicole will either reveal Rex has been unfaithful and accept Big Brother's punishment (I doubt they'll kick her out), or she'll suffer in silence until evicted to a cacophony of boo's for her high-maintenance grouchiness. There's a chance she'll walk, possibly after dumping Rex, but I can't see it happening...
Nicole's Catch-22 is that she's clinging to this painful experience as a thread that might lead to fame and fortune afterwards. Maybe her plan was to go into the house, become really popular, then dump Rex after the show and make her own cash by posing for lad's mags. I can't wait for her perfume: MISERABLE.
Channel 4/E4, various
