Big Brother ‘set to be extended’ as ITV bosses consider major change

ITV bosses are reportedly considering extending the civilian version of Big Brother

Celebrity Big Brother might be taking a break until 2027, but the civilian edition of the beloved programme seems to be thriving.

Reports suggest that executives are considering an “extension” of the series following the legendary reality show’s successful ITV revival in 2023, after years off our screens since its original Channel 4 debut in 2000 and subsequent Channel 5 run.

A source disclosed: “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 being 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 insider hinted that the forthcoming Big Brother series will prove worthwhile for both audiences and the network, promising it will be “exciting” whilst remaining “far cheaper” to produce than its star-studded equivalent, reports OK!.

Speaking to The Sun, the source revealed: “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.”

This development emerges as ITV has encountered significant budget constraints over recent months, with flagship soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale both experiencing episode reductions.

ITV’s daytime shows, Lorraine and Loose Women, have seen significant cuts, now only broadcasting for 30 weeks of the year instead of the full 52.

Celebrity Big Brother has been put on hold until at least 2027, leaving hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best uncertain about their future roles. An insider revealed: “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.”

They added: “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.”

However, an ITV spokesperson reassured: “We are committed to both Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother beyond 2025, and scheduling for any new series will be confirmed in due course. The show remains a priority reality format for us.”

You can catch up on Big Brother on ITVX

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website**