In Telecinco’s newly launched revival of Big Brother VIP, which arrived after a six-year pause linked to a controversial incident in 2017, the lineup is framed around a compact cast of three high-visibility personalities. This edition leans into familiar celebrity dynamics while attempting to refresh the format for a contemporary audience in Canada and the United States.
The first participant is Laura Bozzo, a Peruvian television host known for provocative talk shows. In the 1990s she became a staple of Latin American television, with sets designed to heighten tension among competing guests. In this revival, Bozzo is portrayed as a veteran figure whose presence can spark dramatic exchanges and heightened emotions among the housemates. At 72, her entry is framed as a strategic move by producers to anchor the program with a recognizable and polarizing presence, potentially attracting long-time viewers and drawing attention from new fans alike. Marketers and commentators may view her role as a bridge between past audience loyalties and current viewer appetites for bold reality moments. (attribution: production materials)
The second contestant is Gustavo, described as the driver associated with the long-running presenter Maria Teresa Campos. He is presented as a laid-back personality who is nevertheless stirred by household tensions and competing loyalties within the house. The narrative around Gustavo includes social friction and perceptions of betrayal that could fuel ongoing conversations among viewers about trust, alliances, and the price of popularity in a high-stakes game. His dynamic in the house is framed to explore how a reserved individual responds when provoked by the perception of having a daughter figure in the mix. (attribution: show researchers)
The third participant is Karina, noted here as a veteran star with a storied past in the music and entertainment industry. Referred to as the only VIP in this iteration, Karina’s history includes widespread music sales and enduring cultural impact. In the house, she engages with younger contestants and reflects on decades of fame, while commenting on the industry’s occasional indifference to lasting artistic work. Her lines convey a mix of nostalgia and resilience, offering viewers a lens into how fame is interpreted and endured over time. The housemates sometimes criticize her for night-time snoring, a small detail that becomes a recurring inside joke and a reminder that even icons have ordinary, human moments. (attribution: audience notes)
The edition introduces a new script element by creating a space called the Prehistoric Cave. This set piece is crafted from papier-mâché and designed to resemble a Neanderthal-era dwelling, creating a visually striking contrast with the rest of the house. Inside, only a few participants are placed to endure a heightened level of hardship, while the remaining contestants populate the central areas of the game. The cave acts as a symbolic retreat where survival and resourcefulness are tested, and it echoes the broader theme of primitivity versus modern celebrity culture. The overall production design emphasizes a stark, almost mock-archaeological vibe, which can amplify the sense of challenge and isolation for those inside. (attribution: production design notes)
Beyond the cave, the remainder of the cast serves to fill out the competition landscape. The show frames these participants as essential yet expendable elements within a broader strategic game, using their interactions to drive viewer interest and social conversation. This approach mirrors trends in other contemporary reality formats, where the emphasis lies on rapid engagement, clear character arcs, and timely controversies. The result is a program that seeks to entertain while inviting audiences to reflect on fame, loyalty, and the sometimes thin line between spectacle and human vulnerability. (attribution: program overview)