BB FANS

There's a lot of discussion about whether Endemol is to blame for not providing this, that or the next for housemates on leaving the house, some of which might be valid enough.

Something interesting to reflect on which may or may not change people's opinions about the "blame" issue is this - should Endemol receive the glory for those housemates who become a success, or who think they enjoyed the experience or who go on to "fame and fortune" through their own hard work, like some have, in the same way that they should or shouldn't take the blame for a housemate's 'failure' through their own actions?

Well what do you think Cameron?

Its to blame and to thank.
Someone like Jade would not have become a "star" if it hadnt been for the way she was edited.
But then you get people like Brian Dowling and Alison who have become decent presenters by working hard and doing it off their own back. However i guess they wouldnt have been given the opportunities they have if it wasnt for big brother.

I don't really understand what you mean.It is a high profile gameshow that contestants go on with eyes wide open.I don't see what the question is.Once you come out you can either take advantage of anything on offer or decline some or all and/or go back to your old job or way of life.

It's all about each contestant admitting responsibility for their own actions again, isn't it?

If things go well after leaving the BB house, it's not necessarily due to Endemol's support. It's probably more to do with personality, talent, skill, keeping your head screwed on and heeding good advice.

If things don't go well, even after the advice and direction - people do want to find someone to blame, because they haven't found the road after BB paved with gold.

The cry of 'unfair editing' is used a lot but imo that's when people are trying to defend their own behaviour.

Is it? It would be nice if it was as simple as that and I suppose in some cases it is.

The difficulty in this area is that there are no actual 'facts'. Some folk assume that fragile or volatile housemates are deliberately chosen for the effect they'll have on themselves and others, but that would be very difficult to prove. It would seem to play itself out once the housemates leave the house in a lot of cases and I think there's evidence to suggest a lack of care in some cases. For example, Marco said that he tried to arrange a session with the psychologist afterwards but ended up giving up because it became too much trouble. Other who are less stable than Marco might have encountered the same thing and if that's the case, it is bad.

I think that the viewing public as such is given the impression that psychological support is offered - and as you and Marco have obviously been through the whole BB experience you're in a much better position to comment on what was or wasn't available.

I would definitely find it disturbing if there wasn't some kind of aftercare or support available and I think Endemol do have a responsibility to provide that - maybe you could comment about your experience of the aftercare system Cameron?

What I was trying to get at with "admitting responsibility for your actions" is that I get really annoyed with the whole "Big Brother Ruined My Life" thing. I can't be doing with people who see themselves as victims when actually there are far more serious things that others struggle with.

I don't have any really - I have not called on it so far but I've heard from some housemates (from our year and other years) that it is not what it might be.

On the night of the final, I did have a session with the psychologist but if my memory serves me correctly, that was after the press conference. I would have valued at least a chat with somebody before meeting the press, if only to be warned about some of the pitfalls of facing journalists unprepared.

Have to say that's a completely bizarre time to offer someone time with the psych - don't you think?

You've just come out of the house having won, lots of family, lots of screaming and cheering, the Davina interview, all the press stuff.....and then you sit down and immediately have to try and make sense of it, before going back off into the whirl.

IMO Endemol should be offering the psych session a couple of days or a week after the leaving night, so that there's a bit of time to reflect on things (if people do in that first week.) And it should be compulsory as well.

As for meeting journalists unprepared.....well, seeing as I was one for eight years (not a national one I hasten to add, a quite friendly local one, lol) I can see how meeting all the hacks could be like being thrown to the lions.....

(not all journalists are like that though )