Once upon a time, the smoking area in Celebrity Big Brother was the true heartbeat of the house – a smoky sanctuary where gossip flew faster than ash from a cigarette tip.
Fans of the early 2000s editions will recall the golden era of Big Brother when the smoking section was as much a star as any housemate, delivering iconic TV moments. But fast forward to 2025, and the house rules have dramatically changed.
Since ITV revived Big Brother and its celebrity spin-off in 2023, smoking is still allowed, but it’s been pushed entirely out of the spotlight. If you’ve been wondering why you never see a housemate light up or puff on a vape, there’s a reason. The smoking area hasn’t vanished altogether – it’s just gone dark.
ITV made the decision to remove all on-air smoking content when it took over the Big Brother brand. The move mirrors similar changes made to Love Island – something that fans still wish the broadcaster would bring back.
The change reflects the broadcaster’s desire to align with shifting public attitudes towards smoking, as well as growing health concerns. While housemates are still allowed to smoke or vape, they must do so in a designated smoking area that is strictly off-limits to viewers.
This hidden space is accessed via an unmarked door in the garden and is the only place in the house where lighting up is permitted.
Despite being off-camera in the traditional sense, the smoking area is still under constant surveillance by Big Brother’s watchful eyes.
Cameras are in place to ensure housemates remain under observation, but the footage is never intended to be aired – except in rare circumstances.
In fact, since the reboot, the smoking area has only been broadcast once – during a tense conversation in the 2024 civilian series between housemates Ali and Marcello.
Producers deemed their exchange too crucial to omit, making an exception and giving viewers a rare peek behind the smoking door.
Gone are the days of quirky decor and themed ashtrays. The current smoking area is plain, functional and a far cry from its legendary predecessors. There’s a small bin for cigarette ends and a row of lockers where each housemate stores their cigarettes or vape kits.
While the glam and chaos of old-school smoke breaks may be missed by longtime fans, the new format places the focus firmly on in-house drama, emotional moments, and game-playing, rather than casual chats over a cig.
Still, there’s no denying that some of Celebrity Big Brother’s most unforgettable scenes were born in the haze of the smoking area. And while today’s housemates may still be lighting up, the moments that once sparked viral TV are now staying hidden.
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