⁠"Expect the unexpected" Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves and the cast react to the mystery houseguest

Big Brother
Big Brother | Image Source: Instagram /@bigbrothercbs

Big Brother 27’s mystery 17th houseguest has entered the house, stunning the cast. Host Julie Chen Moonves revealed her own surprise at the selection to Entertainment Weekly:

"When I was told who this person is, I had to expect the unexpected! I never expected that person. And I was very excited because, in my opinion, getting that person is epic. And that person is also very polarizing. So there's going to be a strong reaction in both directions for this mystery houseguest."

Big Brother traditionally features 16 contestants competing for $750,000 in isolation. This season adds a surprise 17th player whose identity remained secret until the July 10 premiere. Exclusive photos captured the houseguests’ stunned reactions upon meeting the mystery arrival.

The images show genuine shock across multiple cast members. Ava’s slack-jawed expression while wearing a hippie hat dominated one shot. Morgan threw her arms up dramatically, attempting to process the situation. Zach jumped from his chair so abruptly he got cropped from the initial photo.

Big Brother host Chen Moonves’ description of the houseguest as “polarizing” suggests a controversial figure who will divide both contestants and viewers. The 90-minute premiere will reveal this game-changing addition to the house.

Big Brother cast reacts to the mystery houseguest’s entry

The reaction photos reveal authentic shock among the houseguests. Ava’s wide-eyed stare and open mouth suggest complete bewilderment. She wore a hippie hat, which stood out in the moment.

Morgan’s aggressive arm gestures indicate she’s trying to make sense of the situation. Her body language shows someone grappling with unexpected news. The marketing manager appears to be demanding answers about this development.

Zach’s reaction proved so dramatic he leaped from his seat. The reality TV newcomer’s surprise was so intense he moved out of the camera frame entirely. His second photo shows him in animated discussion with fellow houseguest Vince.

Ashley mirrored Ava’s shocked expression in separate footage. Her mouth hung open in disbelief, though she lacked Ava’s distinctive headwear. The consistent reactions across multiple houseguests confirm this reveal caught everyone off guard.

Some houseguests quickly adapted to the camera presence during their shock. Vince extended his arms to claim prominent positioning in the shots. His move appeared calculated to maintain visibility while processing the news.

Zach’s initial leap from his chair may have been strategic rather than purely reactive. The marketing manager secured a more prominent standing position in subsequent photos. His animated conversation with Vince suggests they’re already strategizing about this development.

The houseguests’ varied responses reveal different personality types. Some froze in shock while others immediately began working angles. These early responses hint at how some players might approach the game.

The mystery explored

Big Brother production released a cryptic image featuring keys as the only clue to the mystery houseguest’s identity. The word “reception” appears prominently, though its significance remains unclear. Viewers must decode whether key positions, numbers, or hidden messages provide hints.

Chen Moonves’ enthusiasm about the casting choice suggests a significant figure. Her description of the person as “epic” indicates someone with established fame or notoriety. The polarizing nature promises immediate drama and divided opinions.

The Big Brother host’s own surprise at the selection adds intrigue. If even Chen Moonves didn’t anticipate this choice, the reveal should genuinely shock audiences. Production clearly succeeded in maintaining secrecy around this major casting decision.

The mystery houseguest’s polarizing nature will likely dominate early gameplay. Contestants must quickly decide whether to align with or against this controversial figure. The decision could determine their entire season strategy.

The 90-minute premiere format allows time to fully explore the reveal’s impact. Viewers will see both the initial shock and subsequent strategizing. The extended runtime suggests this twist requires significant explanation.

This casting choice demonstrates Big Brother’s commitment to unexpected gameplay elements. The show continues evolving its format to surprise longtime viewers and contestants alike.


Big Brother UK returns autumn 2025, airing every night at  9 p.m. on ITV1/ITV2, with full episodes available on ITVX.

Edited by Ritika Pal