Big Brother star Philip addresses finale and reunion absence after former friend Rochelle wins show

Big Brother UK star Philip Regan has issued a statement after he missed the live final and his frenemy Rochelle Rackham being crowned.

The 53-year-old Scouse influencer, also known on social media as the ‘Queen of Scotty Road,’ departed the house during a brutal double eviction on 30 October, alongside Rhianna Collins, 22.

Since then, he’s been absent from the public eye and failed to appear on the spin-off show, The Group Chat, where he was due to be interviewed by hosts GK Barry and Kate Lawler.

Philip was also missing from the live final, and has since announced he won’t be part of the reunion show either, which is due to air on ITV on Friday (6 November).

He took to Instagram today to explain that his absence is heartbreakingly due to a death in the family.

Alongside a photo he shared of himself with a family member, the reality TV star and influencer wrote: “I would like to take a moment to personally apologise to everyone for not being able to attend the Big Brother Group Chat or Reunion.”

He explained: “Unfortunately, due to a death in my family, we have been dealing with a very difficult and emotional time.

“Family comes first and I needed to take a step back from everything to be with my loved ones and deal with this personal loss.

I hope you all understand that this was not a decision taken lightly and I am truly sorry.”

The housemate added: “I want to thank everyone who has continued to support me, and your kindness has been greatly appreciated. Please respect my family's privacy during this difficult time. Sending love to you all, Queen Of Scotty Road.”

It comes after the ITV show crowned one of its most controversial winners in its history, with Rochelle triumphing over her fellow finalists, Twinks Burnett, who finished as runner-up, Yasmin, who came third, Samuel Keen, who finished fourth, Lynx Noumey, who came fifth, and Catrin Richards, who was sixth.

Rochelle’s winner interview descended into chaos when hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best couldn’t get the crowd to stop booing, as they chanted, “Twinks should have won,” while demanding a recount.

Will pleaded: “‘Guys, guys, she can’t hear us speak,” and AJ added: “We’re going to have to shout.”

Both Rochelle and Philip have been divisive housemates throughout the series, and had quite a rocky relationship.

They quickly became close friends before things fell apart when Rochelle’s husband warned her that Philip was talking about her behind her back during friends and family day.

Their relationship also deteriorated due to growing friction and controversies surrounding Rochelle's behavior.

Reacting to the finale, one fan wrote on X: “Can someone explain to me why Philip is enemy number one and Rochelle just won when they both acted the exact same way. I’m honestly confused #bbuk.”

And a second agreed: “How has she won when they can’t even interview her over the level of boos #BBUK.”

The drama doesn’t stop there, though - as we say, Big Brother: The Reunion is scheduled to air on Friday (6 November) on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm, and it’s bound to be explosive.