Big Brother is reportedly set to return with a major shakeup to the format, shortly after it was announced that the celebrity edition will be rested for at least two years
AJ and Will have hosted the series since it was revived (Image: James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)
Big Brother bosses are reportedly planning an “extension” of the series. The iconic reality show, which initially started out on Channel 4 in 2000 and then moved to Channel 5, was revived by ITV in 2023 after several years off air.
The first series of the reboot was won by Jordan Sangha, and Ali Bromley reigned supreme the second time round, whilst Richard Storry was named the public’s favourite housemate at the end of the third series last November. The broadcaster also made the decision to launch a comeback of the celebrity version, with Ibiza Weekender star David Potts and Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd emerging victorious.
Shortly afterwards, it was revealed that ITV had decided to hit pause on Celebrity Big Brother, but sources have now insisted that the civilian version of the programme is still very much on the cards and there could even be an increase in the number of episodes.
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A source said: “Despite the hold on the celeb version, ITV has always insisted that the programme is what they call a ‘priority reality format’. So it’s reassuring to see plans like this on the table. Extending by a week is something fans have been calling for as past runs have shown the action really only heats up in the latter days.”
The source teased that the upcoming edition of Big Brother will be worthwhile for both viewers and the broadcaster because it will be “exciting”, but it is also “far cheaper” to make than its celebrity counterpart.
Speaking to The Sun, the source explained: “The civilian one is far cheaper to produce than celebrity so the return on investment is worth the while. ITV really is committed to the format and has lots of ideas to keep the civilian version as exciting as possible, with the extension being one of the options being considered.”
It’s no secret that ITV have faced major budget cuts over the last year, with soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale each having had a reduction in episodes. The broadcaster’s daytime brands, Lorraine and Loose Women, have also been slashed significantly, and now only air for 30 weeks of the year as opposed to the full 52. So far, Celebrity Big Brother has been rested until at least 2027, and even hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best will not know whether they will be back at the helm until a later date.
The Sun reported an insider said: “Both hosts will plan most of their other TV work around fronting Big Brother, but that’s incredibly difficult when so much is up in the air. AJ, in particular, will have plenty of offers and usually makes decisions on taking other jobs based on recording dates for BB, as it’s her biggest gig and commitment.
ITV boss Kevin Lygo explained the issue at the Edinburgh TV festival last year. He said: “Celebrity Big Brother, we’re looking at. We’re thinking not on the main channel, that’s the answer. “It’s so difficult now to book big celebrities, famous people, which is what we need on the main channel. Whereas you can go more interesting and niche on ITV2.
“We’re in a battle with [production company] Banijay about the price. It does really well for us on ITVX. It’s a really important, crucial show. I love it and it does a tremendous job for us so, yes, it’s coming back.”
The Late And Live spin-off, which AJ and Will hosted, was also axed. The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment.
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