Big Brother star Zak’s behaviour showing ‘toxic masculinity’, says relationship expert

Big Brother star Zak Srakaew's behaviour is showing signs of "toxic masculinity", according to a relationship expert.

The cheeky and bubbly model initially seemed to be one of the most-liked housemates in the first week of the new series, which is now airing on ITV2.

But he has been in the middle of some bubbling tension with his fellow housemates over the last couple of days, with his "bantering" comments started to strike a nerve with two of the women in the house, as Zak, 28, insisted he could say and do what he liked.

Now Heart Bingo's relationship expert and co-founder of dating app SoSyncd, Louella Anderson, has exclusively told OK! that even when Zak makes "jokey" comments about his ability to say and do things based on his gender, these show a "lack of accountability".

“Zak excused his own bad behaviour as acceptable because he's 'the boy' and he said he wasn't going to take stick off two women," the relationship expert explained. "It was a shocking comment to make and it's great that Trish and Olivia called him out on it.

"While Zak was saying this in a jokey way, his behaviour is a prime example of toxic masculinity, where he believes he can act however he wants because of his gender. His words show a lack of respect for others and a lack of accountability for his own actions."

The dating app founder went on: "Zak then went on to talk about how he loves and respects his mum. This is a typical excuse used by men who are called out for their misogyny.

“It's important to address and call out behaviour like Zak's in order to promote healthy attitudes towards gender equality. It's interesting that Dylan, a man, didn't feel like Zak's comments were sexist, but Olivia and Trish did.

"This highlights the different understanding and perspectives on sexism between genders and the importance of having these conversations.”

Turning defensive, the situation became awkward as Zak "twisted the situation" to make it seem like Trish and Olivia were "attacking him for no reason", according to the expert.

Louella also claimed that "the cracks are starting to show in Zak's personality and other housemates are beginning to notice that he may not be as genuine as he initially seemed".

While a number of housemates have made comments that the model is acting like he thinks it's the Zak show, it's also become clear that he is struggling to make genuine connections with the others.

While time will tell how things play out in the Big Brother house, as the show is designed to be a social experiment that tests and brings out "different sides of people", it's becoming more unlikely that he'll stay out of the firing line with nominations.

The dating app expert added: "Big Brother is a social experiment that often brings out different sides of people.

"Zak's recent behaviour shows that his true character may not be as likeable and genuine as he initially presented himself to be."

Elsewhere, romances could be set to blossom between a number of housemates, with Henry opening up about feeling like there was a connection building between him and Jordan. Zak and Noky have also been flirting in the Big Brother house.

Big Brother airs every night at 9pm on ITV2

Find So Syncd, the personality type dating app, in app stores

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