'Big Brother' Contestants Have No Idea About Coronavirus

Contestants on the Canadian and German versions of Big Brother are unaware of the escalating coronavirus pandemic across the globe.

Housemates on the reality show, which no longer airs in the UK, were aware of the outbreak in China when they entered the house, but they are oblivious to the growing crisis internationally.

According to German broadcaster, Sat.1, housemates will only be informed "under certain circumstances" - for example, if a family member becomes unwell.

"Of course, the residents will be informed if there is reason to do so," the channel told German publication, Süddeutsche Zeitung.

"Which information is given to the residents from outside is also decided in exchange with the relatives."

Sat.1/YouTube)

It appears that housemates in the Canadian version of Big Brother haven't been informed, either, after contestants became suspicious that there was no live audience at the last eviction.

Global TV made the decision to suspend live audiences due to the ongoing outbreak. In a statement, they said: "The health and safety of our staff, crew, houseguests, and audience members are of the utmost importance and effective today, March 12, we have suspended audience members from attending live tapings of the show until further notice.

"We continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise on any changes to the production or broadcast schedules."

The contestants have essentially been cut off from news of the outside world, but for the housemates in the German version of Big Brother, it's believed the situation will be explained to them in a live episode, set to air this evening.

It's currently unknown whether Canadian contestants will be given any further information.

Yesterday, Canada announced it will be closing its borders to anyone who is not a citizen or a permanent resident.

The measures were declared by prime minister Justin Trudeau who addressed the nation from his home. He is in isolation after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for coronavirus last week.

While Canada currently has 441 confirmed cases and four reported deaths, Germany has 7,610 cases and 17 people have sadly passed away.

Topics: TV News, Big Brother, Coronavirus, TV Entertainment

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine