Essex parish councillor removed from ITV reality series following repeated breaches of programme rules despite multiple prior warnings
Reality television contestant George Gilbert has broken his silence after being ejected from the Big Brother house following multiple breaches of programme rules regarding offensive conduct and language.
ITV confirmed the 23-year-old parish councillor from Finchingfield in Essex was removed with immediate effect on Wednesday after repeatedly violating behavioural standards despite receiving several prior warnings from producers.
The broadcaster stated: “Following repeated use of unacceptable language and behaviour, George has been removed from the Big Brother House with immediate effect and will no longer participate in the programme.”
His removal occurred whilst he faced potential eviction alongside three other housemates, with the scheduled Friday vote proceeding without him after all previous votes were discarded. The specific comments that triggered his final ejection were deemed too offensive for broadcast under UK television standards, though earlier incidents had been shown to viewers.
Following his departure from the programme, Mr Gilbert characterised himself as “a flag bearer of freedom of speech” whilst acknowledging he had crossed boundaries. As a flag bearer of freedom of speech, I never hesitate to discuss and question any topic regardless of how contentious it may be,” Gilbert stated in comments reported by The Sun.
“Sadly, the boundaries of what is deemed offensive are subjective, and I evidently went too far this time by crossing their line one too many times,” he continued. The former contestant expressed regret that certain discussions could not continue, adding: “It is a shame that specific debate could not be had and that it has had to end like this. Infamy, infamy, they’ve all got it in for me.”
The parish councillor’s exit represents one of the most serious disciplinary actions taken during the current series of the ITV2 reality programme. He had entered the Big Brother house as a late addition alongside three other contestants, telling producers beforehand that he hoped to “challenge people’s way of thinking” and wasn’t afraid to “ruffle some feathers.
Earlier in the series, Mr Gilbert received a formal warning after an incident during a truth or dare game that left fellow contestant Sam Ashby distressed. When asked to identify housemates’ worst qualities, Mr Gilbert mimicked Mr Ashby using exaggerated sounds and gestures, including limp wrist movements.
The incident caused significant distress to Mr Ashby, a Zumba instructor and LGBTQ+ rights activist, who told Big Brother: “It felt like I was back in school.” He described Mr Gilbert’s impression as “rude,” explaining that the mockery reminded him of homophobic abuse he endured during his school years.
During a subsequent diary room session broadcast on Monday evening, Big Brother confronted Mr Gilbert about his conduct, stating: “During a game of Truth or Dare, when asked about your least favourite qualities of other Housemates, you said the following, ‘Sam, um too…,’ you then went on to mimic Sam using both noises that mocked the way Sam talks and body language that included limp wrists.”
Big Brother asked Mr Gilbert: “Do you understand how both your language and behaviour could be offensive to Sam, your housemates and the viewing public?”
Mr Gilbert apologised during the diary room session, stating he “didn’t want to make anyone feel like that” and would be “walking on eggshells around Sam from here on in.” Big Brother formally warned him that his behaviour was unacceptable and could cause offence to fellow housemates and viewers.
However, the formal warning proved insufficient to prevent further incidents. ITV confirmed that Mr Gilbert had received multiple warnings for unacceptable language throughout his time in the house, with most not broadcast as the language used was contrary to broadcast standards.
“George was previously given several warnings for unacceptable language,” an ITV spokesperson explained. “Most were not broadcast as the language used was contrary to broadcast standards, but one was seen during Monday’s episode of Big Brother.”
The broadcaster emphasised that all housemates receive comprehensive training before entering the house. “Before entering the Big Brother House, the rules regarding language and behaviour are explained to all Housemates and they receive training in respect, dignity and inclusion,” the statement continued.
The specific comments that led to Mr Gilbert’s immediate expulsion on Wednesday will not be aired in tonight’s highlights show as they breach broadcasting standards. ITV has declined to disclose the precise nature of these final remarks, stating only that they violated UK broadcasting regulations.
Mr Gilbert had become an increasingly divisive figure amongst his fellow housemates before his removal. He received six nominations during the week’s voting round, more than any other contestant, indicating significant tensions within the house.
Following his formal warning, the parish councillor had nominated Sam Ashby for eviction, despite having apologised for his earlier conduct. The dynamic between the two housemates remained strained throughout Mr Gilbert’s remaining time in the house.
The 23-year-old serves as a parish councillor in Finchingfield, a village in the Braintree district of Essex, where he is reportedly the youngest member of the local council. He also works as a professional actor, with credits including appearances in Downton Abbey, The Essex Serpent and Heartstopper.
Mr Gilbert’s removal necessitated changes to the scheduled Friday eviction process. Programme officials closed the original public vote that included Mr Gilbert alongside Cameron Barnes, Elsa Rae and Richard Storry, announcing that all previously cast votes would be discounted.
“George has left the Big Brother House, so the vote has been closed,” Big Brother announced on social media. “Your previous votes won’t count, but a new vote with Cameron B, Elsa and Richard will open tomorrow and you will get 5 more votes.”
The Friday eviction proceeded as planned with the three remaining nominees, though voting arrangements were revised to accommodate Mr Gilbert’s absence from the lineup.
ITV has maintained its position that Mr Gilbert’s conduct breached the programme’s code of conduct after repeated warnings. The broadcaster confirmed he will appear in Wednesday evening’s episode but that his final offensive comments will not be shown to viewers.
The ejection highlights the challenges facing reality television programmes in balancing freedom of expression with broadcasting standards and the welfare of participants. Big Brother has historically taken firm action against contestants who breach behavioural rules, with several previous participants removed from various series for similar infractions.
Mr Gilbert’s case is particularly notable given the number of warnings he received before his final removal. Sources indicate he was cautioned multiple times about his language and conduct, with most of these incidents not broadcast due to content exceeding acceptable standards.
The incident has sparked discussion about the boundaries of acceptable discourse on reality television, particularly regarding sensitive topics such as sexuality and identity. Whilst Mr Gilbert frames his removal as a free speech issue, critics argue that reality television participants have a responsibility to maintain respectful conduct towards fellow contestants.
Sam Ashby’s distress at being mocked for his mannerisms underscores the real impact such behaviour can have on individuals, particularly those from marginalised communities who may have experienced similar treatment in other contexts.
The formal training all housemates receive before entering the programme makes clear the behavioural expectations, including respect for diversity and inclusion. Mr Gilbert’s repeated violations despite this training and subsequent warnings suggest a persistent disregard for these established boundaries.
Big Brother continues on ITV2 and ITVX from Sundays through Fridays at 9pm, followed each night by Big Brother: Late & Live. The series remains one of the broadcaster’s flagship reality programmes, with the current civilian series attracting significant viewer engagement.
The removal of a contestant is always a significant moment in any Big Brother series, but Mr Gilbert’s ejection after multiple warnings represents a particularly clear statement from producers about maintaining programme standards.
As the series continues, the remaining housemates will proceed without Mr Gilbert, with Friday’s eviction determining which of Cameron Barnes, Elsa Rae or Richard Storry will be the next to leave the house through the public vote.
The incident serves as a reminder that reality television, whilst offering participants a platform for self-expression, operates within clearly defined boundaries designed to protect both contestants and viewers from offensive content.
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