Big Brother is returning to television screens, with the iconic series set to air on ITV2 and ITVX this year.
The reality TV juggernaut cemented itself into UK popular culture in 2000 when it was first broadcast on Channel 4, turning ordinary members of the public into overnight stars.
Excluding Celebrity Big Brother, there was a total of 19 series of the civilian version with 1,481 episodes, before it was eventually axed in 2018 after its move to Channel 5 in 2011.
The programme saw complete strangers enter a house where they would live, cut off from the outside world, for up to three months, with a prize of up to £150,000 at the end, with the show launching stars such as This Morning’s Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson, TV and radio presenter Kate Lawler, and the late Jade Goody and Nikki Grahame among many others.
Here’s everything we know about Big Brother’s 2023 return so far…
Big Brother is watching: The new version of the iconic eye logo has been unveiled ahead of the 2023 series reboot for ITV
When does Big Brother 2023 start?
An official start date is yet to be confirmed but the show is due to air on ITV2 and ITVX this autumn.
It has been reported Big Brother will begin this year in October, with ITV’s Director of Television Kevin Lygo previously saying the start date would be ‘probably September, October time’.
The main show will air 9-10pm Sundays to Fridays on ITV2 and ITVX followed by its companion programme.
Meanwhile, the legendary live feed is returning, with Big Brother fans able to watch the housemates potter about right into the early hours.
What will the new Big Brother format be like?
While not a huge deal has been revealed about the format of the show, it is claimed bosses want to go back to basics and are not looking for ready-made reality TV contestants or social media influencers.
This would mean the programme has a similar feel to its earlier Channel 4 days when interesting but totally unknown people became residents of the famous Big Brother house.
ITV’s Director of reality commissioning Paul Mortimer 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.’
Bosses are said to have a strict criteria for the sort of housemates they want and has been reported producers have blocked Love Island-style ‘wannabes’ from taking part in the rebooted series.
A source told The Sun that there has been an immediate no to ‘Love Island-type contestants or fame-hungry influencers’ for the new series.
Casting for the upcoming series is said to be in the final stages with the shortlisted candidates now having face-to-face meetings with producers.
An insider said: ‘Casting for the new series opened in October last year and there’s been an overwhelming response.
Applications have been extended for the final time to catch any last minute hopefuls but the process is very much almost complete.’
Who will host Big Brother 2023?
Sunny days: AJ Odudu, 35, sizzled in silver as she joined her new Big Brother co-host Will Best, 38, at the Aperol Spritz Aperidisco at Battersea Power station in London on Thursday
AJ Odudu and Will Best were announced as the hosts of the Big Brother reboot at the end of April.
Strictly Come Dancing star AJ and former T4 presenter Will, who is known for his role on Dance Dance Dance, will front the reality show when it returns to screens on ITV2 this Autumn.
They will share the iconic main role as well as an additional nightly live show, debating all the hot topics inside the house.
A source told MailOnline: ‘They have genuine real chemistry and it was an absolute no brainer when they screen tested.’
Speaking about her new role, AJ said: ‘I’m so excited to finally be able to say that, yes: I’m hosting Big Brother! I couldn’t be happier.’
She added: ‘Following in the footsteps of some of my favourite broadcasting legends to front such an iconic show is an absolute honour – and to do it alongside my amazing friend Will is the icing on the cake.’
Will explained: ‘I grew up with Big Brother so getting a chance to host it with my mate AJ is a dream come true. I can’t wait to tell some housemates not to swear.’
Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning for ITV2 and ITVX, said: ‘AJ and Will really are our perfect pairing as we prepare to reintroduce Big Brother to the next generation.
‘With a genuine chemistry, both of them will bring effortless wit, charm and heaps of character to their roles and we’re delighted to be working with them both again.’
Who are the Big Brother 2023 contestants?
This year’s contestants are yet to be announced – but the deadline for applications has now passed.
ITV are currently carrying out ‘rigorous’ background checks on all the potential housemates to make sure there are no skeletons in their closet that could come out while they are on show.
Meanwhile, participants will allegedly be put through a ‘watertight training programme’ ahead of their time in the BB House.
It’s claimed the ‘super-sized’ Big Brother welfare package goes ‘well beyond’ what Love Island contestants go through before entering the villa.
The training for housemates is said to cover diversity and inclusion, racism and gender diversity, as well as sexual consent and dealing with conflict.
A source told The Sun: ‘Love Island’s provision is already considered the Fort Knox of training but ITV knows how important the re-launch of such a loved programme as Big Brother is.
It’s been a fairly difficult time for the channel with recent events on This Morning, so everyone is determined the brand won’t be rocked by any further scandal.
‘But I have to say, while nobody wants any participants regretting their actions on TV, there is rising concern that the reboot is turning into a tightly-regulated woke-fest. No chance of any wine bottles or pregnancy tests these days!’
Who narrates Big Brother?
Back with a bang: The legendary narrator of Big Brother Marcus Bentley, 55, has reportedly signed up for the job once again on the upcoming reboot of the show (Marcus is pictured outside the Big Brother house during the final Channel 4 series in 2010)
The legendary narrator of Big Brother Marcus Bentley has reportedly signed up for the job once again on the upcoming reboot of the show.
Gateshead-born voice-over artist Marcus, 55, became synonymous with the programme after it launched on Channel 4 in 2000 and he stayed with the reality series up until its last run on Channel 5 in 2018.
Booming ‘day one in the Big Brother house’ at the start of each series, Marcus would describe the action as it played out on screen for viewers, and he is set to do the same when it makes a comeback on ITV2 later this year.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘It’s long been rumoured that he was returning to the show, though many dismissed it as wishful thinking.
‘But now it’s a done deal between Marcus and the producers and fans are likely to be delighted.
‘After all, his voice was an essential part of the whole Big Brother experience, and his return will add to the reboot’s authenticity.’
Is the Big Brother livestream back?
Bosses have promised the Big Brother livestream will be back again for the ITV2 reboot.
In addition to the main series, the show featured a live feed into the house which enabled viewers to watch the housemates at any time.
It made its debut in 2000 and was available for free, meaning fans of the show could even watch the contestants sleep, and it will once again be back on ITVX for people to watch into the small hours each night.
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