'Cruel' Celebrity Big Brother eviction slammed as star leaves mid-task in shock twist

Celebrity Big Brother viewers - and housemates - were left shocked after a 'brutal' surprise eviction on Thursday night's show (March 21). The shock twist saw Netflix star Bradley Riches exit the series just more than a day before the final.

An emotional task saw the housemates - David Potts, Louis Walsh, Fern Britton, Nikita Cuzmin and Colson Smith, as well as Bradley - briefly reunite with loved ones ahead of the Celebrity Big Brother final. Nikita was reunited with his girlfriend, while Fern saw her daughter and Louis was given a talking to by 80s star Sinitta.

The other contestants watched on as each of them hugged and quickly caught up with loved ones in the garden. Bradley was the last of the housemates to go forward.

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But instead of meeting a loved one, he was greeted by Celebrity Big Brother host AJ Odudu. The actor, who plays James McEwan in the hit Netflix teen series Heartstopper, was then informed that he would be leaving the show.

Finalists David, Louis, Fern, Nikita and Colson watched on, distraught, as he was delivered the news. Bradley had the chance to nip back into the house to say by to the housemates before he had to leave.

"What the hell just happened?" Strictly's Nikita asked, as Ibiza Weekender's David added: "What the f***? That was awful". Fern agreed: "That was horrible."

Talking to Big Brother in the diary room, Bradley reflected on his experience, saying: "I feel like I've had the absolute best time, I'm so grateful. I've made so many amazing friends and for me to do this... I felt like I was scared to do it and I've done it and I'm so happy and so grateful."

The 22-year-old was then made to exit via