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Posted by: Liаm 19th December 2017, 10:11 PM

Hey all, it's that time of the year where we look at the best of the year and this forum is no different! Me and Rob will be taking you through the year of TV, touching on he following series we've watched and some others along the way I'm sure!

Celebrity Big Brother 19
Celebrity Big Brother 20
Big Brother UK 18
Big Brother US 19
Big Brother Canada 5
I'm A Celebrity UK Series 17
I'm A Celebrity Australia Series 3
Strictly Come Dancing Series 15
The X Factor UK Series 14
Love Island Series 3
The Apprentice Series 13

Posted by: Klampus 19th December 2017, 10:18 PM

It was a weird year for Big Brother, I wouldn’t say any were vintage series but there was still some great housemates in the UK version, more let down by the production elements.

Big Brother Canada was slightly rocky but a great season overall, with an epic moment halfway through!! It more than made up for the absolutely terrible BB19.

Posted by: Jack 19th December 2017, 11:23 PM

I really enjoyed the civilian Big Brother, I know it had low ratings but it was so much fun to watch. Chanelle is one of the most iconic housemates we've had in YEARS.

Kim Woodburn and Sarah Harding also made for amazing TV in their series. I really enjoyed Love Island too this year, although I'm really not a fan of overhyped Chris & Kem at all and Olivia was a grade A c**t.

Posted by: *Tim 20th December 2017, 10:26 AM

Montana from Love Island <3
My absolute fave

Posted by: Liаm 20th December 2017, 12:10 PM

CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER

I'll be tackling series 19 while Rob has the short straw of having to find enough to say about the summer series

Series 19, January



Best housemates: Kim Woodburn, Jessica Cunningham, Jedward
Worst housemates: Austin Armacost, Colleen Nolan, Nicola McLean

Celebrity Big Brother's 19th series came in with a "bang" as there was a SHOCK TWIST before the show even began All Stars were to join the new contestants. On paper, seeng classic BB stars coming back to spar with new big characters seems great, but in practice he new stars line-up was pretty limp, with dullards such as Calum Best and Colleen Nolan, and even the impressive return of Speidi couldn't really do much as they were incredibly disappointing. However, all the best housemates of this series came as late entrants, so this series did get better at its run progressed.

Before the first eviction, we already had two voluntary exits in Ray-J (disappointing for the producers, no doubt as they had paid an unprecedented $1 million for him, undoubtedly wanting to jump on the Kardashian connection) and Brandon Block (if we even noticed he was there in the first place...), on day 8 and day 9 respectively. Then the series was defined by the entrance of How Clean Is Your House's Kim Woodburn, a personal dream housemate of mine for YEARS. We all knew that she isn't one to sit back and mince her words, but instantly on the first night she was causing trouble, in a war of words with fellow late entrants Jessica Cunningham and Chloe Ferry after the latter splashed Kim. Kim proved to be worth her fee beyond anyone's wildest dreams, as the series descended into everyone vs Kim, with security even intervening to take Kim out of the house t the worst point! Catchphrases such as "chicken liver shits!!!" "don't start with me" and "luvvie" on the end of every sentence permeating the national lexicon as this veritable icon of Big Brother prett much single handedly making this an iconic series! She only managed to come 3rd but has definitely made her mark on Big Brother.

Another highlight of the series for me were the lovely Jessica Cunningham, who I feel was slightly wasted on this series. She had a few little altercations with her fellow housemates, and always came across as someone could handle herself and drive in her point without being rude or abrasive, and always likeable. I think in a series that wasn't so dominated by huge explosive characters like Nicola McLean and Kim Woodburn arguing all the time, she could have done better than she did. She reminded me a bit of a classic Channel 4 housemate actually. I also was pleasantly surprised by Jedward, who were much less idiotic and annoying this stay but still provided some much needed fun and likeability among the explosive arguments and tension that clouded this series being a fun one.


The winner is one we shan't speak much of, Loose Women harridan and general dullard Colleen Nolan. Spending her entire stay barely cracking a smile, moaning and smoking, but somehow the housewife vote made her triumph over Jedward and the aforementioned icon Kim. Not much better was the terminally dull James Cosmo, who was apparently too famous to be in there because he was in Game Of Thrones, or the mega c*** Nicola McLean who was just SO unlikable, but I suppose at least she provided entertainment but always being wound up by Kim. The "romance" of Bianca and Jamie was also absolutely mind numbng, I can't see who would want to watch them, but we got one of the biggest shocks in CBB history as favourite to be evicted Bianca topped the vote over Speidi, Jessica, Jedward and Kim - there's no accounting for taste.

ALl in all, this was a solid series, but buoyed pretty much only by the presence of Kim

Posted by: JosephCarey 20th December 2017, 01:24 PM

That CBB series REALLY spiced up when Kim entered. Her and Jedward defined it for me, and even though I was always team Kim, I did enjoy Nicola too. Jessica had the potential but never QUITE lived up to it sadly

Coleen feels like such a "wtf" winner, I didn't dislike her but she did nothing of note??

Posted by: Jack 20th December 2017, 03:15 PM

I actually really liked that series of CBB! Kim Woodburn was just as iconic as Tiffany Pollard and Gemma Collins for me. I agree about Jessica, I think she could've really shined in another series potentially or had she been in there from the start, she could have done better.

There was an overbearing amount of disappointing housemates though. Calum Best, Coleen Nolan, Bianca Gascoigne, Jamie, James Cosmo .... At least people like Stacey Francis and Nicola McLean brought SOMETHING.

Posted by: RobBob 20th December 2017, 04:56 PM

Posted by: Sqntq Clqus 20th December 2017, 06:42 PM

Kim was a bully

Posted by: Jack 20th December 2017, 06:51 PM

Shut up, don't be so stupid.

Posted by: ElectroBoy 21st December 2017, 03:25 PM

Nicola on the worst HM's?

She was great - I find it bizarre people supporting Kim, yet always lay into Nicola. Both were as bad/ good as each other.

Jessica was nice enough, but hardly set the series alight... in fact she was fairly dull in terms of bringing things to the show.

Posted by: Jack 21st December 2017, 03:54 PM

Kim had more iconic moments, and will probably be more remembered as an iconic housemate, Nicola was dull and dreary and so negative all the time.

Posted by: ElectroBoy 21st December 2017, 04:02 PM

I wouldn't have said dull or dreary, In fact I don't think someone who seems to incite the amount of chat and discussion Nicola did last series wouldn't be described as dull.

But I agree Kim will go down as one of the most iconic CBB housemates

Posted by: Liаm 21st December 2017, 05:14 PM

Nicole just came across as snippy and nasty, Kim I know was hardly Samanda but she was hilarious like a pantomime villain, whereas Nicola was just nasty imo but like I said at least she brought something interesting unlike a lot of them

Big Brother Canada coming tonight as I've got some time!

Posted by: Liаm 21st December 2017, 07:42 PM

BIG BROTHER CANADA

Series 5, March-May



Best housemates: Ika Wong, Demetres Giannitsos, Karen Singbeil
Worst housemates: Jackie McCurach, Dillon Carman, Emily Hawkin

Chronologically the next Big Brother series in this list is from Canada! Following the popularity of the US version in Canada, it received its own version using the US format and the fanbase never looked back, as BBCan has pretty much outstripped BBUS each year since its inception in 2012.

This particular season had the same twist as January's CBB - some classic BBCan housemates returned alongside newly cast contestants. This was done much better than CBB did it, as the two best female players of all time Neda and Cassandra returned, as well as queen of blindsides Sindy and cunning genius Kevin, among others. However, despite a stellar cast of names, a lot of them were quickly picked off. Cassandra barely had time to work her social magic, Dallas barely got shirtless with his new buff physique, and Gary was deflated as his side were picked off and was rendered as disposable himself. However, the biggest fall from grace easily goes to Neda. In what is without doubt the most incredible eviction ever, Neda was blindsided by Sindy after she was forced to pick a replacement nominee. Neda had been a total btch all season, severing a lot of social ties who would have been crucial support at this time, and she thought she was the head of her side who'd be saved no matterwhat. This was an awful start to the series for someone who I'd regard as a classic player, mainly due to a twist in which Neda as a fan favourite received immunity for the FIVE evictions. Tbh that was a silly twit that was too much anyway, nobody in a game like this should have hat much protection! Someone as smart as her should have used it wisely, but she pushed and pushed people being a total bitch to everyone which whilst entertaining was a stupid stupid move. She did so much to put a target on her back that meant she was ousted as soon as eligible, and her face was a picture as it transpired that Ika had managed to convince Sindy to nominate her and set the wheels in motion for everyone bar Jackie to turn on her! Honestly I can't stress enough what an incredible bit of TV that was for the entertainment and shock value!



This season was prety much owned by Demetres and Ika, the latter of whom really surprised me after she was a bit of a hot mess who imploded quickly in series 3 after a strong start. DemIka are the best BBCan pairing since Jon and Neda, and Dem would never have sold Ika out like Jon not taking Neda through so possibly better x Whilst Ika didn't win any comps, she had a flawless social game that paired incredibly well with Demetres being a total comp beast. If ever they were in danger, either Ika's social game or Demetres smashing a comp could easily see them through. A DemIka top 2 would have been incredible if Kevin didn't smash the comps near the end, and of course any person with a jot of intelligence would dispose of the biggest threats. Kevin eventaully won, and whilst I really really wanted one of DemIka to, I can't begrudge kevin as he was one of those players you can tell really wanted it. He was gutted to be ousted so early by a triple evicion last time, so he had a fire in him and he would do anything to win that money. He used his looks to get protecion from William, who was smitten and pretty much gave up his own game for him, and in the last couple of weeks when it was really case of him or DemIka, he smashed either veto or HOH each ime to ensure his safety. Eventually he won a clean sweep of 9-0 over Karen, who was brilliant to watch and a hilarious lovely woman, but a useless player really so was never going to win.

On the opposite end of the scale, there wasn't really anyone I disliked but Jackie, Dillon and Emily were varying degrees of annoying. Jackie was such a pointless player and reminded me of that really extra friend who everyone lowkey hates but is always still there Dillon and Emily's romance was also awful, so cringe and they acted like they were married and love's young dream after like a day of being together.

All in all, a brilliant series that far outstripped the total mess of a series that was this summer's BBUS, which we'll touch on later.

Posted by: JosephCarey 21st December 2017, 10:03 PM

BB Can 5 was a really good season, Ika absolutely MADE it. Looking back, it's odd to see people like Cassandra and Gary out so early on, and even more so with Neda, because they're three of the best game players the show has seen. I guess for Cass and Neda at least, they played an almost identical game, so everyone saw through them. Neda's eviction was TV GOLD though, the best BB Can moment for me (or perhaps second to Ika's letter shredding - spot a theme?)

As much as Ika was my winner, Kevin wasn't undeserving and he played a good game really. Bring on BB Can 6 *.*

Posted by: RobBob 21st December 2017, 10:29 PM

I'll be able to contribute properly after I finish work tomorrow, then I'm off for several days and heading home!

I actually liked Nicola myself, she was quite sour but she was easily the best for 'giving it back' to Kim (apart from Spencer at times) and gave some hilarious moments myself like the eye covering and purely for the fact she took being called Nicole for so long.

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 22nd December 2017, 10:17 PM

You're an adulter one of my favourite quotes from Kim to that meathead Jamie. Kim Woodburn made that series.

Posted by: Klampus 22nd December 2017, 10:24 PM

Demetres is like one of the biggest turnarounds you could have on a person, he seemed liked the generic BB US alpha male from all the pre-show stuff but he soon turned that around and became one of the greatest duos with Ika. Imagine if he went instead of Mark that first week!! Even though I haven’t seen the first three seasons, it was quite cool to see the vets come back, especially after hearing major things from people like Neda. Neda’s eviction was a MOMENT. A cool season overall, and certainly so much more entertaining than BBUS has become!

CBB in January was just messy, like all the series last year. At least it brought us Kim though, I won’t talk about the chicken livered shits though

Posted by: CodySleighBell-y 23rd December 2017, 02:39 AM

I remember watching this season while I was bored and Dem was and still is precious Ika knows a real one when she sees em.

It’s also refreshing to know that a lot of the HG’s from that season stayed really good friends and have been seen together multiple amounts of times. That’s when you know they really concentrated in game and not on emotional distress.

Posted by: ionderella 26th December 2017, 08:06 PM

okay if there's no RPDR, Project Runway and ANTM this list is officially CRAP

Posted by: ionderella 26th December 2017, 08:08 PM

conclusion: never trust a BB fan make these lists. i mean come on it has like literally every BB series of 2017

as diverse as russia~

Posted by: Liаm 26th December 2017, 11:55 PM

Thanks for the constructive input, much appreciated xxx


Me and Rob obviously both love Drag Race I just always forget it's under reality rather than TV for some reason Personally have never seen ANTM or Project Runway so soz

Posted by: Berrier Cody 31st December 2017, 06:19 PM

I’m pretty sure Rob has seen ANTM Cycle 23

Posted by: Liаm 31st December 2017, 06:31 PM

Others are free to offer up stuff as well like the main TV forum thread if you would like to share or cover anything we haven't planned to!

Posted by: Liаm 13th January 2018, 05:02 AM

Ok let's continue this then by whizzing through another BB series after a bit of a break

Big Brother US 19



Best housemates: Mark and Jessica I guess? Elena if she wasn't so useless
Worst housemates: Raven, Paul, Jason and Alex were all HIDEOUS people but Matt was also unbelievably useless.

I think this can easily be summed up with "what the f*** happened" This series had so much promise on first glance but for various reasons failed to live up to it and the series absolutely divebombed in quality imo.

First of all, Day 1 thrust us straight into the game with a couple of interesting interlinked twists - at least on paper. Straight away, the houseguests were tempted by money and could press a button to win money - whoever did so first took the money. Said person remained anonymous (this was oldest houseguest Kevin) but triggered a consequence for the rest of the house - a returnee... Rightful winner of BB18 Paul was back with a vengeance but there were only 16 places, which meant a good old day 1 eviction. After a safety competition, it ended up that Cameron, Jillian and Christmas were on the block, and Cameron held the dubious honour of joining BB14's poor robbed Jodi in the day 1 eviction clib. This was a bit unfair I thought although just part of the game - expect the unexpected. And whilst Cameron was probably the most interesting to me on first impressons, I was excited to see Paul get another chance. Lol. Oh dear. I soon hanged my tune...

After the launch things seemed to go to pot pretty quickly It seemed like a solid cast, and the temptation twist was pretty interesting. BBUS have mixed success with game-changing twists (*winces at the thought of Battle Of The bloody Block*) but I think in theory it was good to do. Again, just in theory It proved detrimental to the whole game, from what I see, in its very first outing. In a move I'd say is as far as fixing it as they can go without actually tampering with votes, BB's first "temptation" was immunity for 3 evictions. Mere days after the houseguests had entered, how was this decided, you ask? Public vote :') Of course, against 15 randomers we'd only just met, returnee Paul was going to win, and he did. He of course took the safety, and this gave him a crucial three evictions to establish himself. What this temptation also did was rather amusingly but also unfairly blow up first HOH Cody's whole game. One of his nominees Megan walked from the house (the first sign of drama this series, and we thought that was bad!) so he had to replace her with Alex, who later won the POV. His replacement nominee was... Paul Of course Paul was safe, so Cody ended up having to nominate Christmas. In one fell swoop, he had nominated a total of five people, and whilst one had walked, he had the blood of 4 on his hands. Naturally he was soon ousted too, and he was the only one who had kind of seen through Paul.

So from that point on it was curtains on this being a good series Cody did come back after winning the jury buyback, but Paul was far too strong then. He had essentally the whole house playing his game, with the few who weren't too piss weak to do anything about it. I know we always have coasters and floaters but good lord, mos of the house just didn't play at all and were total non-entities, and anyone who did play the game pretty much played it for Paul. Cody and Jess were only hopes, but Cody was f***ed by the temptation as soon as tasted power and Jess went off the rails a bit without him so that when he was back there was too much to claw back. Mark and Elena were lovely and Mark tried I guess, but he didn't have the comp prowess to turn anything around. Thankfully, Paul's game fell apart a bit at the end,he f***ed over Alex when she'd been up his arse the whole game, throwing away her own game for him (so she deserved it I guess), and her vote to Josh meant that josh won over him. I didn't like Josh much either but good lord it was so satisfying that Paul was basically handed the game and it fell apart at the same stage as BB18

Special shout out to the ridiculous Raven Walton, who is possibly one of the most awful people to go in Big Brother. She supposedly had an entire medical encylopedia worth of illnesses, which she would bring up at any given opportunity alongside ridiculous tall tales about her IQ, childhood, talents, family, anything she could embellish really, Raven was clearly a compulsive liar and fans caught her out. Honestly the RavenExposedParty hashtag was far more entertaining than the actual series

Posted by: Riser 13th January 2018, 05:25 AM

If only Paul had been Neda'd!!1 Seemed like a genuine possibility at the time but even that was putting far too much faith in the other houseguests At least the deja vu of Paul losing the jury vote again was nearly worth all the pain and suffering of watching this season.