Channel Nine's Big Brother has been hit with hundreds of Facebook complaints accusing it of being "rigged", after it prematurely revealed an evictee before voting had closed.
The network accidentally aired a promotion showing last night's evictee George leaving the house a number of hours before viewer voting had closed.
The show released the following statement on its Facebook page: "A promotion recently went to air that indicated George had been Evicted. This was due to a technical error and is INCORRECT as voting lines are still open and do not close until 6:30pm (Facebook) and 6:43pm (IVR/SMS) AEST.
"Three promotions were prepared featuring each of the Nominees and unfortunately George's was broadcast in error. Every vote will still count."
However, hundreds of viewers have accused the show of being "rigged" and pledged to boycott watching or voting.
One consumer wrote: "Get real, there is absolutely no doubt that the show is rigged, blind freddy could see that [...] George was too quiet so for ratings sake he had to go ... Shame Channel 9 you have lost me, I certainly won't be watching a show that insults my intelligence any more and more shame you for thinking your audience are so naive!"
Another said: "Please everyone write in and complain about this crap. The whole show is rigged, Channel 9 better be able to explain this or I can see a lot of refunds given that people spent on voting."
One viewer wrote: "LIES LIES LIES Big Brother. Everyone boycott this show. It is not fair dinkum."
Others called the show "a joke" and "yet another money making exercise".
Viewer voting is a significant part of the show and attracts hundreds of entries each week at 55c per call or SMS.
The much-hyped format has boasted strong ratings since its launch last month, with last night's episode grabbing over 1 million viewers. Channel Nine bought the contoversial show from Network Ten earlier this year.
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.
Have something to say? Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at amykellow@yaffa.com.au
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.