Everything We Know So Far About The ITV2 Big Brother Reboot

It’s happening.

 

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Once upon a time, there was a show that changed television forever. That show was Big Brother, and the cultural landscape of ‘reality’ has never been the same since.

On a crisp summer evening back in the year 2000, 10 member of the British public entered a specially built house, a space where some of them would remain together for 64 days until a winner was declared. And so began a slew of series – each more scandalous than the last – right up until the show was dropped by Channel 4 and moved to Channel 5, where it aired for another 8 years before its eventual cancellation.

Far from Nasty Nicks, shopping budget arguments, and secret bedsits are we now, as reality TV has taken on a more structured format where drunken scraps and intended brand deals reign supreme.

But with a Big Brother ‘reboot’ on the horizon, and (somewhat of) a promise to return to the roots of the once beloved show, is there a chance that the heyday of reality TV could be just around the corner?

Here’s everything we know so far about the Big Brother ITV2 relaunch.

Is Big Brother really coming back?

Yes, it is – and it’s happening soon. Earlier this year, ITV2 announced that they would be returning the series after a five year hiatus. This will be the first time that ITV has broadcast the show, which began on Channel 4 and was later picked up by Channel 5.

ITV2 announced the news back in August during the Love Island finale, as an ad showed the iconic Big Brother eye over an ITV2 ident. Later came some more info confirming that the show would be returning in 2023 and that there would, apparently, be a return to what audiences loved so much about the regular series.

When is it airing?

Officially, at the time of writing, ITV has confirmed that the show will air in 2023. However, some have suggested a more specific date, reporting that the reboot will air as early as spring.

According to to the Mirror, the new series is scheduled to air in March, in between winter Love Island and the regular summer series. This date, however, has yet to be confirmed by the network.

 

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What will the format be?

According to producers, much of what made Big Brother, well, Big Brother will be returning with the reboot including live evictions, public votes, and of course, regular people entering the house.

The show will be given a “contemporary makeover”, but largely, the aspects of the series that audiences loved will be back.

Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Controller at ITV2, ITVBe and CITV said: “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.

“We’re beyond excited to bring this iconic series to ITV2 and ITVX where it should especially engage with our younger viewers.”

Who will present?

Once again, we don’t know exactly who will be presenting the show, but we do have our theories (in the form of rumours that have been flying around social media).

Names like Maura Higgins, Alison Hammond, and Rylan Clark have been thrown around as potential shoo-ins for the role, with the latter two topping most bookies’ lists due to their own experiences on the reality show.

Can I apply?

You can of course (as long as you have the right to reside in the UK). As of last night applications are now open for the 2023 series of Big Brother. 

“We’re looking for the nation’s most interesting, funny and entertaining characters from all walks of life,” says the website.

“Think you’ve got what it takes to be a great housemate? If you want an amazing experience and a chance of winning an incredible amount of money, we’d love to hear from you.

“Closing date for applications is Friday 27th January 2023 at midnight.”

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• Big Brother