Big Brother returns with six week run

ITV has revealed more details about the revived Big Brother series.

ITV bosses have revealed that they have ordered two series of reality TV stalwart Big Brother. The iconic reality show is set to return to our screens in October, five years after the last series aired on Channel 5.

Paul Mortimer, ITV’s Controller of Digital Channels, confirmed that the network is committed to two series in response to a question from TV Zone at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Wednesday. Mortimer said: “Yes, we are committed to two series. It will be a hit. We are already in pre-production.”

He also confirmed that the series will run for six weeks although this could be extended if the return is a hit with viewers. Mortimer confirmed that the house is still being built but the casting for the series is pretty much “signed off.” 

Big Brother began life on Channel 4 in 2000 before being picked up by Channel 5 in 2010 after 4’s decision to axe the show. It was then axed for a second time by Channel 5 as they looked to take the channel in a different direction.

Although there are no plans for a celebrity version of Big Brother, Mortimer says “watch this space”. The celebrity versions on Channel 5 regularly outperformed the civilian series.

Big Brother returns to ITV 2 and ITV X this Autumn.