ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
PRODUCERS of the upcoming reality television show Brother in House Zimbabwe say viewers will play a direct role in choosing contestants for the programme expected to kick-off next month.
The organisers revealed that more than 5 000 people applied to take part in the show, with applicants undergoing a screening process aimed at testing commitment and mental strength.
Out of the applicants, 500 people were shortlisted and given codes linked to a task designed to assess their seriousness before progressing to the next stage.
The producers said 320 contestants eventually made it to the final round, where the public will now vote to decide who enters the house.
“We wanted to make the selection process transparent and allow viewers to choose the people they want to watch in the house,” the producers said.
According to producers, the contestants receiving the highest number of votes will secure places on the programme.
They added the system is meant to give equal opportunities to contestants from different backgrounds, regardless of popularity or social status.
“We are giving ordinary people a chance while also allowing viewers to decide who deserves to be in the house,” the producers said.
Selected contestants are expected to spend three months inside the house without access to mobile phones or communication with the outside world.
The producers also disclosed that not every participant would be competing for prizes, with some housemates entering the show mainly to stir tension and influence relationships in the house.
“Some contestants are there purely to shake things up and make the show more exciting,” the producers said.
The reality show is expected to premiere later this year.