Channel 5 axes Big Brother UK

Britain’s Channel 5 has confirmed the end for Big Brother – the third longest running version of the show worldwide, following the Spanish and American adaptations.

It has aired for 19 years across two channels. Over the course of its run, there will have been a total of 45 series of Big Brother in the UK: nineteen regular series, twenty two celebrity series and four other series.

But Endemol has announced that they are “excited” for the future of the show, hinting that the format may be picked up by another channel or streaming platform.

In a statement, Channel 5 said: “The forthcoming series of Big Brother will be the last– of either celebrity or civilian versions – on Channel 5. We’d like to thank Endemol and all of the production team who have worked tirelessly to make the show a success.

“We’d also like to thank our brilliant presenters – Emma [Willis] on Big Brother and Rylan [Clark-Neal] from Bit on the Side – for their consummate professionalism, Marcus, the voice of Big Brother and all of the housemates who have created so many memorable moments.

“Most importantly, we’d like to thank fans of the show for their support over the last seven years. We look forward to giving the final series a brilliant send-off.”

A final 19th season has just premiered.

Source: Radio Times