Celebrity Big Brother 2017 viewers slam Shaun Williamson task for ‘mocking’ mental health

Williamson was told he would be hearing voices in his head
Emma Powell2 August 2017

Celebrity Big Brother bosses have been accused of trivialising mental health by forcing Shaun Williamson to pretend to be suffering from a “severe case” of nerves.

Williamson was set the secret mission of transforming “into the most nervous housemate in the history of Big Brother” by getting progressively more anxious as each new housemate entered.

Williamson was summoned to the Diary Room where he was told that he would also be “hearing voices in your head”.

Big Brother said: “As each of your fellow Celebrity housemates enter the Big Brother house it must be instantly noticeable that you are suffering from a severe case of first night nerves. In fact the more housemates that enter the more your nerves should escalate.

Calming: Shaun Williamson and Brandi Glanville
Channel 5

“As well as showcasing your inner angst at all times Big Brother is also going to give you a series of nerve wracking challenges throughout the evening.

“As if nerves weren’t bad enough you’ll be hearing voices in your head as Big Brother will be talking to you secretly through an ear piece.

But the task didn’t sit well with some viewers who slammed the show for making a mockery of mental health issues.

One tweeted: “Taking the p*** out of mental illness well done *eye roll* mental health is NO ACT #CBB #mentalhealth #1in4.”

The mission saw Williamson convince Harding to sing with him, make Chad Johnson rub his chin and get Brandi Glanville throw water over him in a bid to ‘calm’ his nerves.

He was then asked to pick one housemate to be his rock and keep them captive in the lounge while the others enjoyed a champagne party in the garden. He chose Sandi Bogle who offered an understanding ear as he ‘panicked’ about being on the show.

Williamson, who played loveable Barry Evans in EastEnders, said he joined the reality TV show to remind people that he is "still alive".

Speaking to the Daily Mirror he said: "It is an attempt to be known more as Shaun. I think people will expect to see Barry-ish and will see a slightly tougher side.

"When it comes to drama I am not offered it. I am not saying this is going to help, but at least it gives people a jolt so they remember you are still alive."

Channel 5 declined to comment.

Celebrity Big Brother Launch 2017 - In pictures

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Celebrity Big Brother is on Channel 5 tonight at 9pm.

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