Claims that Coco Beeby won Big Brother Australia with the alleged help of producers have been denied by the show.
The series wrapped Down Under earlier this month and saw the 30-year-old childcare worker win the $135,000 (£64,000) prize pot, while primary school teacher Emily Dale came runner-up.
As most people are aware, the premise of Big Brother is that the contestants are filmed constantly, with seemingly nowhere to hide.
However, insiders claimed that producers manipulated the December 8 final to help Coco win.
Sources told TV Blackbox that producers from Endemol Shine spoke with contestants and gave them conflicting messaging, which shaped the final.
At one point in the Channel 10 episode, two of the finalists, Allana and Bruce, opted to take themselves out of the running for the crown as they separately battled to win a $40k car, which Allana won.
The sources claimed Allana and Bruce were encouraged to go ahead with the challenge in a non-recorded conversation, whereas Coco wasn’t.
But the production company denies the allegations, and a spokesperson told Metro: ‘The claims made regarding the production of Big Brother Australia are false.
‘Interactions in the diary room are limited to standard production, safety, and housemate welfare.’
‘The integrity of Big Brother and its results were never compromised.’
Meanwhile, discussing her victory in a social media video, Coco said: ‘All in all, it’s been an incredible experience. My prize money is going towards the future for my children.
‘Last year, we didn’t have any Christmas presents under the tree, there is going to be Christmas presents under the tree this year! My message to single parents is: “Your time isn’t up. Don’t think because you’re a parent, that it’s over. Say yes to things and be mindful how you talk about yourself.
‘”You are capable of doing incredible things and even more so cause you’re a parent.”
‘Thank you, Australia, every single one who has voted. This isn’t just for me, it’s for my kids and, wow, here we are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’
Her social media gratitude was met with an outpouring of support from fans.
‘Wanted you to win from the start Coco! You’re an absolute down to earth dead set legend and our house voted for you and are so happy you won! Enjoy every dollar won, you deserve it!’ fan heatherpooleyphotos wrote in the comments.
‘Beautiful young mum, so genuine and caring. I’m so happy you won, my pick from the beginning…’ kiwifruit_tracy added.
Coco had an emotional and tear-filled reunion with her children on stage after successfully winning over the nation.
‘I feel all of you. Thank you so much. You don’t know how much this means to me. Thank you. Every single one of you,’ Coco said, breaking down on stage as she hugged them.
Big Brother Australia is available to catch up on Channel 10 in Australia.
Metro has reached out to Channel 10 for comment.
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