'Big Brother' returns to UK after four-year hiatus, moves from Channel 5 to ITV

Four years after the lights went out at the iconic 'Big Brother' house at Elstree Studios outside London, the show has heralded a sensational return.

The UK version of the iconic reality TV series, which first launched 22 years ago, is set to return to screens in 2023 after a five-year hiatus. This time, however, it will be broadcast on the ITV2 network and the ITVX streaming platform.

From its launch in 2000 until 2010, the show aired on Channel 4 before moving to Channel 5 in 2011. It ran there for 7 years until Channel 5 finally pulled the format in 2018 (Pictured above, Ray J walks into the "Big Brother" house in 2017.)

"A carefully selected new cast of housemates, from all walks of life, will take up residence in the world's most famous reality TV house for up to six weeks, with cameras capturing their every move, and the nation following each twist and turn," reads a login line for the rebooted format. The winner will receive a "life-changing" sum of money.

ITV has confirmed that the famed house will be getting a "contemporary new look", but all the typical 'Big Brother' bells and whistles - including live challenges, nominations and evictions - will return.

No doubt the show's propensity for controversy will also remain. The "Big Brother" format has been controversial since its debut over two decades ago and has faced a number of scandals during its run. During season 5 of the spin-off 'Celebrity Big Brother', which aired on Channel 4 in 2007, there was controversy over the racist bullying of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty by some of the other house guests, including Jade Goody, Jackiey Budden, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meara.

Earlier this month there were again accusations of bullying on the US version of 'Big Brother,' airing on CBS, after contestant Taylor Hale was treated by fellow guests.

Although it remains to be seen if 'Big Brother' will still be controversial in the age of reality shows such as 'Love Island' (which also airs on ITV2).

Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions and Controller for ITV2, ITVBe and CITV, and Commissioner Peter Tierney commissioned the new series.

"This fresh, contemporary new series of 'Big Brother' will contain all of the familiar format points that kept viewers engaged and entertained the first time around, but with an all-new look and a few extra twists that speak to audiences about today," Mortimer said. "We are beyond thrilled to bring this iconic series to ITV2."

Natalka Znak, CEO of Initial, Remarkable Entertainment and Banijay-owned Znak TV, added, "'Big Brother' is the original and best reality TV format I've ever created before. , so it's a huge privilege to create a brand new release with ITV2 and ITVX. Working with Claire O'Donohoe and the talented team at Initial, Katy Manley and Cat Lynch. It's going to be epic!"

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