Big Brother's creative director Phil Edgar Jones has brushed off suggestions that show producers plan the Save & Replace tasks to favour certain housemates.

Writing on the DS Forums, fans of the show claimed that last week's'Hickory Dickory Dock' challenge and today's 'Scooter Slide' task were intentionally designed to suit David and Shabby respectively.

However, Jones replied: "No we don't - they are planned in advance. Well before noms even happen.

"We can't sort those sort of set ups overnight. And of course there is a standby should Steve be up. We planned all the Save & Replace tasks even before we chose the housemates."

He added of the timing of this week's task announcement: "Just because you didn't know doesn't mean it wasn't planned in advance.

"I didn't promise a mental challenge this week - I said there was a range of challenges across the series. They are all mapped out on a big white board right behind me as I speak."

Asked if the Save & Replace tasks, which give a nominated housemates the chance to put another contestant in their position to face the public vote, will occur every week, Jones said: "That's the plan. I think it's pretty dramatic stuff and gives the game bit of BB more jeopardy."