Viewers thrown by shock Big Brother twist

After six years absent from our screens, viewers had a lot to say about Big Brother's 2020 iteration during its Monday night premiere.

And the reaction was certainly mixed.

While early on, fans seemed largely unimpressed by the controversial changes, by the end, it seemed its biggest format twist might just be enough to keep people watching.

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Unlike previous seasons, this year's series has been prerecorded, and for the first time in Australian Big Brother history, housemates will nominate and evict each other from the house with the winner decided by fans in a live finale.

Viewers watching along at home Monday were left shocked by the result of the first eviction, which saw outspoken housemate Laura from Melbourne sent home over scheming 21-year-old Kieran from Adelaide.

It was an eviction that had fans certain Kieran's desperate bid to game-play would have him on the chopping block.

During the tense eviction ceremony, Kieran's shady attempt to shift the votes had contestants squirming in their seats.

"I was in your position tonight, I would be basing the vote off people who haven't been so connected … People who you feel aren't making the best connection with you, that would be my advice," he said.

When asked by host Sonia Kruger whether he felt there was a housemate who wasn't making connections, he said: "I'm a dead man walking as it is so I may as well blow it up … If I had to make a choice I would probably say Laura. From my perception … I feel she would be the most disconnected from the group at this moment."

Looking taken aback, Laura responded: "Maybe I'm not as extroverted, and that's what he's basing it off … I'm quite a private person."

Keiran's attempt worked, and it was Laura, who had come close to winning the first challenge, sent packing in a clear strategic move by the six housemates that named her.

It came after Adelaide contestant Talia won the first challenge, and the power to choose the first three contestants up for eviction.

With Talia breaking down in tears when faced with the decision, it became clear just how powerful the eviction switch-up will be in the coming weeks.

Watching along at home, viewers seemed divided over the format twist:

Others found themselves a clear favourite already in socially-awkward but extremely loveable Ian, 25, from Perth:

But some lamented missing the Big Brother of old, finding fault with the new voice and longing for the excitement of a live show:

Big Brother continues tomorrow night from 7.30 on Channel 7.

Originally published as Viewers thrown by shock Big Brother twist