Big Brother viewers are left in uproar as a teacher takes eight weeks off school to participate in the ITV reality show - despite parents being fined for pulling their children out

The new series of Big Brother returned to screens on Sunday night, with 16 contestants entering the famous abode to battle it out for the £100,000 prize  – but one person has already raised eyebrows.

Hosts AJ Odudu, 38, and Will Best, 41, excitedly welcomed a plethora of new 2026 housemates from all walks of life, including a carer, a housewife, a YouTuber and a social worker.

However, it was 29-year-old teacher Yasmin from Manchester that caused a stir among viewers watching at home, particularly those who are parents.

As fans watched the bubbly contestant become the first person to enter the house, many parents questioned Yasmin's participation, particularly as the new school term has just begun.

Others also queried how Yasmin could potentially take up to eight weeks off work, while parents get fined for taking their own children out of school.

At present, schools will impose fines if a child misses five days of school for an unauthorised absence. The fine, per parent, is £80 if paid within 21 days or £160 if paid within 28 days.

If a parent receives a second fine for the same child within three years, this will be charged at the higher rate of £160. 

And though Yasmin's work arrangements haven't been made clear, annoyed parents have taken to X to have their say about Yasmin's decision to enter the house. 

They penned: 'Sorry, but if that Yasmin was my kid’s teacher I’d be moving him/her to a different school ASAP. Like, yesterday.

'So our kids can't have time off school without getting fined but a teacher can go on big brother? Unreal!

'First contestant - a teacher from Manchester. Who’s immediately taken off 8 weeks at the beginning of the new school year…'

However, despite uproar from some viewers, Yasmin appears to have made a great impression on many others, who loved her 'vibe' and 'energy' upon her arrival.

They shared on X: 'I do love the energy that Yasmin is giving so far.'

'Yasmin is a vibe'; 'LOVE Yasmin'

'Yasmin is lovely!! so much energy to bring into the house.'

'First impressions matter and so far Yasmin is giving GOOD first impressions. She’s bubbly, funny and entertaining. I’m liking her already! And she’s a school teacher too? I feel like she’s going to be good TV.'

While Yasmin's appearance on the show has got everyone talking, one housemate's stint on the show will be shorter than most because they are only staying for a week.

A house 'mole' is being placed into the house for a week in a bid to 'cause havoc' for the remaining contestants who are all vying to win.

Within minutes of arriving in the house, the 2026 cast were told that there was a mole amongst them, who will be doing their best to go undetected.

They were told the mole – who the public know is YouTuber Tays – would nominate three people for eviction in the next episode of the show.

Meanwhile, hosts AJ and Will hinted prior to the launch that bosses have so many twists in store, it will feel like 'a new house every week'.

The pair recently addressed rumours that old celebrity stars could make a return to the house. 

Will told The Sun: 'I'm always open to old faces returning. I think it's fun. And you know, if you bring people in, there's a lot of people with unfinished business in that house. 

'There's a lot of people who were amazing characters who are still amazing characters, there's definitely people that we've got to know through doing the spin-off that I think would be amazing going back in.'

'I'd love to see some old faces go back in. I'm 100% behind that.'

Spin-off show Late and Live was axed earlier this year, and has been replaced by the vodcast show Big Brother: The Group Chat, which will be hosted by GK Barry and former star Kate Lawler.

The show will air Sundays to Thursdays after Big Brother's main episode, and will feature interviews and gossip with special guests and evicted housemates.

Last year's Big Brother saw Richard Storry crowned series champion, while Elsa Rae finished as runner-up. 

It was hoped that Celebrity Big Brother would return to screens earlier this year, however it was reported that bosses decided to axe the format after struggling to draw in a high calibre of stars.