ITV is claimed to have struck a deal to create a brand new version of Big Brother, the hit reality TV program that aired for 18 years in the UK until 2018. The new-look Big Brother is set to be returning to the British screen in 2023 with a new format, streaming platform, and cast.
According to Mirror, ITV's hit show Big Brother is set to return in 2023, ending its five-year hiatus after being canceled in 2018. While the bosses have reportedly been in talks for the past few months, the news of the show's revival was finally confirmed during the much-anticipated final of Love Island this season.
Big Brother will aim at a younger audience
Previously in April, the plan to reboot the show for a ‘new audience and legion of younger fans’ was teased after an insider told The Sun:
'This needs to be totally new and fresh. It’s all about drawing in a young audience. The aim is to get back to basics and interfere less, with fewer challenges. They are really keen on getting the deal done on Big Brother and hope to have something firm to announce soon. The talks are still at an early, and delicate, stage and the next few weeks will be key.’
According to Metro, former hosts Davina McCall, Emma Willis, and Rylan Clark won't be likely to return in the reboot version of the show, which will be a huge loss as their presence over the years had been somewhat iconic. Instead, Alison Hammond, who joined the show's 2002 series, has hinted at the possibility of her becoming the presenter of the reboot version. The 47-year-old TV personality told The Late-ish Show with Mo Gilligan:
‘I think so. They need to change it up a bit. We’ve got to put it out there to the universe. Let’s make it happen!’
Meanwhile, Irish singing duo Jedward also revealed they may step into the breach as presenters, declaring themselves as 'Iconic Housemates' in a tweet. The musical twin already featured on the celebrity version of the show in 2011 and 2017, as noted by SkyNews.
Paul Mortimer, director of reality commissioning and acquisitions and controller of ITV2, ITVBe and CITV, claimed Big Brother's return will be 'refreshed and contemporary', saying:
'This refreshed, contemporary new series of Big Brother will contain all the familiar format points that kept viewers engaged and entertained the first time round, but with a brand new look and some additional twists that speak to today’s audience.'
It is also revealed that a cast of 'carefully selected housemates from all walks of life' will be chosen for the show. Notably, the famous live evictions will return, putting the contestants' fate into the hands of the public as they vote throughout the series and decide the winner of the cash prize.
Big Brother was canceled due to poor viewership
Big Brother originated from Holland after being created by media tycoon John de Mol but gained prominence on the British screens, running from 2000 until 2018. Initially, the show was streamed on Channel 4 from 2000 to 2010 and presented by English host Davina McCall. In 2011, it was moved to Paramount-owned Channel 5 with a new presenting duo - series two champion Brian Dowling and later Emma Willis.
However, it was axed in 2018 after a disappointing slump in viewership. In the first three seasons, Big Brother averaged 5.8 million viewers per episode, which then plummeted to just a half in 2009 due to the growing popularity of shows such as The Only Way Is Essex, The X-Factor, and Strictly Come Dancing. After falling under the control of Paramount, the viewership result hit an all-time low, with only 1.2 million viewers in its last season.
Over the 23 series, Big Brother introduced a myriad of talents who were catapulted into the spotlight after joining the show. Famous names include This Morning host Alisa Hammond, BBC1 DJ Adele Roberts, late actress Jade Goody, and Princess Nikki star Nikki Grahame. Since its rise to fame, there have been over 500 series of Big Brother which have aired around the world in 64 countries and regions, as written by SkyNews.
