Big Brother viewers demand ‘get him out’ as housemate’s links to disgraced MP revealed

Big Brother viewers demand ‘get him out’ as housemate’s links to disgraced MP revealed | Live News reporter Published September 14, 2026 3:54pm Updated September 14, 2026 3:55pm Big Brother 2026 housemate Harry has links to a disgraced politician (Picture: Instagram/@sl_benton_mp) Big Brother fans have uncovered a link between one of the new housemates and a disgraced Tory MP. Last night, 30-year-old Harry Symonds entered the ITV house alongside 15 other new housemates, all hoping to win over viewers and the sought-after £100,000 prize. In true reality television style, it didn’t take long for viewers to do some digging into the contestants’ pasts, with a surprising connection between Harry and a former politician coming to light. As a result, many have called for Harry to be evicted early doors. The personal trainer from Croydon, who described himself as an ‘ex-police Bible basher’ and gay Christian in his audition, married Scott Benton in 2021. Benton was elected MP for Blackpool South in the 2019 general election, a position he remained in until his resignation in March 2024. Harry’s relationship history was uncovered by BB fans after he entered the House (Picture: ITV) In 2023, Benton became embroiled in a parliamentary lobbying scandal, which the Commons Standards Committee concluded was an ‘extremely serious breach’ of the rules and ‘communicated a toxic message about standards in parliament’. He was recommended for a 35-day suspension after being found to have offered to lobby ministers and table parliamentary questions on behalf of gambling investors. His actions were exposed by undercover reporters for The Times, posing as representatives of a fake investment fund. He claimed he was able to ‘call in favours’ from colleagues and ‘get easy access’ to ministers. Benton returned to the political scene earlier this year when he joined Restore Britain, a far-right party led by Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe. Restore Britain has been labelled as even further right on the political spectrum than Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, campaigning for strict border controls, mass deportation, the repealing of online safety laws, strong ‘free speech’ protections, and Britain as a Christian country. He married former MP Scott Benton in 2021 (Picture: Instagram/@sl_benton_mp) Benton resigned after a lobbying scandal (Picture: PA) Benton became a campaign manager for Restore Britain during the Makerfield by-election campaign, with reports also claiming he previously sought to join Reform UK, but he was allegedly rejected. While pictures with Harry remain on the ex-MP’s social media from 2025, it’s unclear whether they are still married. However, in his introductory Q&A, Harry said he lives on his own, adding that he was looking forward to ‘a break from real life’. Should he win, he wants to ‘invest in a house or something’. Harry said he ‘thrives on meeting new people’ and was excited for ‘the experience’. Upon learning of Harry’s relationship history, BB fans took to X with so-called proof of Benton’s political views, as he had links to the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, an anti-abortion group which campaigned against same-sex marriage. Benton later said he was no longer linked to SPUC, and while he supported their anti-abortion stance, he was for same-sex marriage. In the past, he has also voiced support for the death penalty in certain scenarios. It’s unknown whether the two are still married, but pictures of them together remain online(Picture: Instagram/@sl_benton_mp) While Harry has yet to air his own political beliefs in the Big Brother House, one viewer shared a screenshot of a post Harry made in the Facebook group Gay Conservatives GOP & Allies for a better America. Under his married name, Harry Benton-Symonds, he thanked the US-based community for accepting him, writing: ‘I’m a huge supporter of the Republican movement and conservative values in the USA.’ ‘oh get him OUT’, wrote @daydreamcine, while @CosmicMalex_ agreed Harry must be ‘out first’. Others did defend Harry’s casting, though, explaining that Big Brother is a ‘social experiment’; hence, people from all walks of life are cast. @brynbrnl argued that Big Brother is ‘a show that isolates a diverse group of people in a house to see how relationships, friendships, and conflicts form under pressure’, while @abigail37879615 said people are ‘allowed to have different opinions’. The programme is certainly no stranger to a politically charged debate, offensive comment, or strong language. Last series, George Gilbert was removed from the House due to ‘repeated use of unacceptable language and behaviour’, much of which could not be broadcast. He often provoked backlash for contentious remarks on social and political issues. The series before also saw Nathan King voice his support for Farage and debate politics with fellow housemates. ITV has been contacted for comment. Deals of the Day Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV. Arrow MORE: Who’s in the cast of Big Brother 2026? 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